CN113261215A

CN113261215A - Cable terminal assembly with anti-drop structure

Info

Publication number: CN113261215A
Application number: CN201980087764.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 武内健一郎; 大卫·之·陈; 陆海光; P·安德森
Original assignee: Optical Communication Holding Co ltd
Current assignee: Optical Communication Holding Co ltd
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2019-11-04
Publication date: 2021-08-13
Also published as: EP3874625A4; WO2020091823A1; WO2020091823A9; US20220120989A1; EP3874625A1; US11703651B2

Abstract

The optical fiber terminal system comprises a shell, a cable and a buckle. The housing defines a portion of a channel and a surface surrounding the channel. The channel defines a central axis and the surface defines an interior of the housing. The cable may be received through the portion of the channel. The cable includes an optical fiber and defines a longitudinal axis. The catch may be received in the housing and may be attached to the cable and may extend from the cable in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis such that when the catch is received in the housing and the cable is received through the portion of the first channel, the catch limits movement of the cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing.

Description

Cable terminal assembly with anti-drop structure

Cross reference to related patent applications

This application claims benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No.62/855,470 filed on day 5 and 31 in 2019, benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No.62/813,475 filed on

day

3 and 4 in 2019, and benefit of the filing date of U.S. provisional patent application No.62/754,978 filed on day 11 and 2 in 2018, and relates to international application No. pct/US2018/031219 filed on day 5 and 4 in 2018 and U.S. provisional patent application No.62/501,639 filed on day 5 and 4 in 2017, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to optical systems and components, and in particular, to storage and environmental protection of such devices.

Background

An external equipment (OSP) housing contains and provides protection for the antenna unit, the kiosk and associated electronics and wiring from harsh environmental elements such as sunlight, heat, wind and rain. In a hybrid arrangement, the OSP housing further provides the desired fiber distribution functionality by containing therein a plurality of fibers, splitters, multiplexers, patch panels, etc. interconnected in a desired manner, thereby increasing the complexity of the housing and thus the assembly cost with limited available space. Furthermore, the complexity and limited space of the hybrid arrangement makes maintenance and repair of the OSP more cumbersome. When only a portion of the OSP needs to be replaced, a mixed arrangement of OSPs may also be replaced prematurely, thereby adding unnecessary cost.

Electronic engineers who design antenna units and self-service terminals are typically unaware of the constraints imposed by interconnecting such components with fiber distribution equipment to receive within enclosures such as OSP enclosures, and these components are not properly configured for such configurations. Thus, the configuration of the hybrid arrangement is not optimized for the limited space provided, resulting in poor sealing of the components and inducing bending stresses on components such as cables, leading to premature components and even system failure.

Accordingly, there is a need for a better system to receive and protect the components of the hybrid arrangement of OSP enclosures and the components of the fiber termination systems within other similar enclosures.

Disclosure of Invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly may include a housing, a patch panel terminal, an input optical fiber, a plurality of output optical fibers, and a sealing assembly. The housing may have an inner surface. The terminal block terminal may be coupled to an inner surface of the housing. The input optical fiber may extend into the housing. A plurality of output fibers may extend out of the housing from the patch panel terminals. In this way, the light beam emitted from the input optical fiber can be split into a plurality of light beams that are received by the terminal of the patch panel. The seal assembly may be located at any one or both of the following locations: between the input optical fiber and the housing; and between the housing and the plurality of output optical fibers.

In some arrangements, the assembly may include an output coupling element that may extend from the housing and may define a first longitudinal axis that extends in a direction toward and away from the housing. In such an arrangement, a plurality of output optical fibres may extend through the output coupling element.

In some arrangements, the shape and size of the output coupling element may be substantially uniform over the length of the output coupling element along the first longitudinal axis.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may be tapered over its length along the first longitudinal axis.

In some arrangements, the housing may define an output aperture through which the plurality of output optical fibers may extend. In such an arrangement, the output coupling element may contact the housing around the entire perimeter of the output aperture to form a watertight seal at the interface of the output coupling element and the housing.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may comprise a first flange, which may be an output coupling flange, which extends from an end of the output coupling element in a direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis, and wherein an entire perimeter of the first flange is adhered to the inner surface of the housing to form the water-tight seal.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may be moulded onto the housing around the entire periphery of the output aperture such that the output coupling element cannot be separated from the housing without breaking either or both of the output coupling element and the housing.

In some arrangements, the plurality of output optical fibers may extend through the outer jacket. In such an arrangement, the outer sheath may extend through the out-coupling element.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may include a neck portion that may be located at a spaced apart location from the housing and may have a smaller inner circumference than other sections of the output coupling element. In this way, the neck may conform to the perimeter of the (conform) outer sheath to form a waterproof seal.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may abut an outer surface of the housing opposite an inner surface of the housing. In this way, the output coupling element may be located entirely outside the housing, and the abutment of the output coupling elements may form a watertight seal.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may extend into a first aperture defined by the housing.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may define an output coupling groove or simply "output groove" around the entire perimeter of the output coupling element. In such an arrangement, the housing may extend into the output coupling recess at the output aperture with an interference fit to form a watertight seal. In some such arrangements, the wall of the housing may have a housing wall thickness and may extend around the entire perimeter of the out-coupling element. In such an arrangement, the width of the output coupling groove in the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the output coupling element extends may be less than or equal to the housing wall thickness.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may be made of rubber or plastic.

In such an arrangement, the plurality of output optical fibers may extend through the outer jacket. In such an arrangement, the outer sheath may extend through the out-coupling element. In some such arrangements, the output coupling element may include an outer shroud, an inner lock ring, and an outer lock ring. An outer shroud may abut an outer surface opposite the inner surface of the housing. An inner shroud may be adjacent the inner surface of the housing. The outer locking ring may be attached to the housing and may form a threaded connection with the inner locking ring. In this way, the inner shroud may be pressed against the outer jacket of the output coupling element by the inner locking ring when screwed into the inner locking ring in a direction towards the housing to form the watertight seal.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly may include an input coupling element that may extend from the housing and may define a second longitudinal axis that extends in a direction toward and away from the housing. In such an arrangement, the input optical fibre may extend through the input coupling element.

In some arrangements, the housing may define an input aperture through which the input optical fiber may extend. In such an arrangement, the input coupling element may contact the housing around the entire perimeter of the input aperture to form a waterproof seal.

In some arrangements, the input coupling element may include a second flange, which may be an input coupling flange, the input coupling flange extending from an end of the input coupling element in a direction transverse to the second longitudinal axis. In such an arrangement, the entire perimeter of the second flange may be adhered to the inner surface of the housing to form a waterproof seal.

In some arrangements, the input coupling element may be moulded onto the housing around the entire periphery of the input aperture such that the input coupling element may not be separable from the housing without breaking either or both of the input coupling element and the housing.

In some arrangements, the input coupling element may extend into a second aperture defined by the housing.

In some arrangements, the input coupling element may define an input coupling groove, or simply "input groove," around the entire perimeter of the input coupling element. In such an arrangement, the housing may extend into the input coupling recess at the input aperture with an interference fit to form a watertight seal. In some such arrangements, the wall of the housing may have a housing wall thickness and may extend around the entire perimeter of the input coupling element. In such an arrangement, the width of the input coupling groove in the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the input coupling element extends may be less than or equal to the housing wall thickness.

In some arrangements, the input coupling element may abut an outer surface of the housing opposite an inner surface of the housing such that the input coupling element may be completely outside of the housing, and the abutment of the input coupling element may form a waterproof seal.

In some arrangements, the input optical fiber may extend through the outer jacket. In such an arrangement, the outer sheath may extend through the input coupling element. In some such arrangements, the input coupling element may include an outer shroud, an inner lock ring, and an outer lock ring. An outer shroud may abut an outer surface opposite the inner surface of the housing. An inner shroud may be adjacent the inner surface of the housing. The outer locking ring may be attached to the housing and may form a threaded connection with the inner locking ring. In this way, the inner shroud may be pressed against the outer jacket of the input coupling element by the inner locking ring to form the watertight seal when the inner locking ring is screwed in a direction towards the housing.

In some arrangements, the input coupling element may be made of rubber or plastic.

In some arrangements, the optical signal assembly may include an optical splitter or an optical wavelength division multiplexer.

In some arrangements, a plurality of intermediate optical fibers may be connected to the patch panel terminals and the optical signal components. In such an arrangement, a plurality of light beams received by the terminal of the patch panel may propagate along respective ones of the plurality of intermediate optical fibers.

In some arrangements, the cable and terminal unit assembly may be an external equipment (OSP) cable assembly.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic termination system may include a package, a plurality of electronic or optical devices within the package, and a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly, which may include a housing, a patch panel terminal, an optical signal assembly, an input optical fiber, and a plurality of output optical fibers. The package may be separate from, i.e. adjacent to or spaced from, the housing of the fibre optic cable and terminal unit assembly. The housing may have an inner surface. The terminal block terminal may be coupled to an inner surface of the housing. The input optical fiber may extend into the housing and reach the optical signal assembly. A plurality of output fibers may extend out of the housing from the patch panel terminals. In this way, the optical signal assembly can split the light beam emitted from the optical signal assembly into a plurality of light beams, which are received by the terminal of the terminal block. A plurality of output optical fibers may be configured to deliver respective light beams to any one or any combination of the plurality of electronic or optical devices in the package.

In some arrangements, the plurality of electronic or optical devices may include any one or any combination of an antenna, a kiosk, and an optical switch.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly may further include an out-coupling element and an in-coupling element that may both extend from the housing. In such an arrangement, a plurality of output optical fibers may extend through the output coupling element and the input optical fibers may extend through the input coupling element.

In some arrangements, the package may include a package aperture. In such an arrangement, the output coupling element may contact the package around the entire circumference of the package aperture to form a watertight seal at the interface of the output coupling element and the package.

In such an arrangement, the plurality of output optical fibers may extend through the outer jacket and the cable connector. In such an arrangement, the outer jacket may extend through the out-coupling element to a cable connector that may be attached to the package.

In some arrangements, the output coupling element may include a neck portion located at a spaced apart location from the housing and may have a smaller inner circumference than other sections of the output coupling element. In this way, the neck may conform to the perimeter of the outer sheath to form a water-tight seal.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber termination system may be assembled by one method. In this method, output fibers extending through the output fiber optic couplers may be attached to terminals within the package. In such an arrangement, the output fibers may be connected to patch panel terminals located within a housing external to the package and may be optically connected to input fibers extending into the housing. In this method, an output fiber optic coupler may be connected to the package to form a water-tight seal. Preferably, the output fibre coupler may be so connected after the output fibre is attached to a terminal within the package.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic termination system may include a housing, a first cable, and a latch. The housing may define at least a first portion of a first channel and an inner surface surrounding the first portion of the first channel. The first passage may define a central axis. The inner surface may define an interior of the housing. The first cable may be received through the first portion of the first channel. The first cable may include a first optical fiber and may define a cable longitudinal axis. A catch may be received in the housing and may be attached to the first cable and may extend from the first cable in a direction transverse to the cable longitudinal axis such that when the catch is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, the catch restricts movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing.

In some arrangements, the inner surface may surround an end of the first channel.

In some arrangements, the interior of the housing includes a passage configured to receive the catch.

In some arrangements, the passage may be at least partially defined by opposing walls configured to contact opposing sides of the catch.

In some arrangements, at least one of the walls may include at least one hook that allows the snap to snap into the passage.

In some arrangements, the passages may be at least partially defined by fillets or chamfers. In some such arrangements, the rounding or chamfer may approximate the shape of the catch. In some arrangements, the passage is an open passage. In such an arrangement, the passageway may further comprise a cover configured to cover a portion of the housing. The cover may include a flange that may be configured to extend partially into the open passage to limit movement of the first cable in a direction toward the cover when the first cable is received in the open passage.

In some arrangements, the clasp may comprise a tube or may be in the form of a tube. In some arrangements, the conduit may be adhered to the first cable. In some arrangements, a conduit can include a barb that can be configured to extend into the outer surface of the first cable such that when the barb extends into the outer surface of the first cable, the conduit remains fixed in position relative to the outer surface of the first cable.

In some arrangements, the conduit may comprise a plurality of partial conduits, which may be attached to one another by one or more hinges.

In some arrangements, the conduit may include a first section and a second section extending from the first section. At least a portion of the second section of the conduit may have a larger outer diameter than the first section to define a step. The step may limit movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing when the catch is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first channel.

In some arrangements, the fiber termination system may include a coupling tube and a retention ring, which may each define a portion of the first channel. A first portion of the coupling tube may be configured to be positioned between the retaining ring and the housing, and a second portion of the coupling tube may be configured to extend through the housing. The retaining ring may be moved along the first cable to compress the first portion of the coupling tube, and the second portion of the coupling tube may be configured to contact the housing such that the coupling tube compresses the first cable to substantially align the central axis and the cable longitudinal axis.

In some arrangements, the retaining ring may be a locking ring configured to be threaded to the housing.

In some arrangements, the coupling tube may include a slit along a length of the coupling tube such that the first cable may be received in the coupling tube through the slit.

In some arrangements, the coupling tube may include a flange receivable within an interior of the housing. In such an arrangement, a portion of the housing may be configured to extend between the second portion of the coupling tube and the flange to prevent the coupling tube from moving axially relative to the housing.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include an adapter and a second cable. In such an arrangement, the inner end of the first cable and the inner end of the second cable may be configured to be inserted into the adapter such that the first cable and the second cable may be aligned so as to achieve either or both of: routing optical signals from the first cable to the second cable and routing optical signals from the second cable to the first cable.

In some such arrangements, the housing may include a platform. In such an arrangement, the fiber optic termination system may further comprise an optical device configured to be attached to the second cable such that the optical device and the inner end of the first cable are located on opposite sides of the platform.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include an additional cable including an additional optical fiber and defining an additional cable longitudinal axis, wherein the housing includes a plurality of housing tubes extending from an exterior of the housing opposite an interior of the housing, the plurality of housing tubes defining respective portions of the channel including a portion of the first channel, and wherein the first cable and the additional cable are receivable through respective ones of the plurality of housing tubes.

In some such arrangements, the fiber termination system further includes a cover and a plurality of locking rings. The cover may be configured to cover at least the interior of the housing. The plurality of locking rings may be configured for threaded connection to respective ones of the plurality of housing tubes. The plurality of locking rings may be removable when the cover covers the interior of the housing.

In some such arrangements, a plurality of housing tubes may define respective housing tube central axes. In such an arrangement, the fiber optic termination system may further include a plurality of coupling tubes configured to surround and couple to respective ones of the plurality of housing tubes. The plurality of locking rings may define a portion of the channel that includes a portion of the first channel. The first portion of each coupling tube may be configured to be positioned between a respective housing tube of the plurality of housing tubes and the plurality of locking rings. The second portion of each coupling tube may be configured to extend partially through the housing. The locking rings may be moved along the respective cables to compress the first portions of the respective coupling tubes. The second portion of the respective coupling tube may be configured to contact the housing such that the respective coupling tube compresses the respective cable to generally align each of the respective housing tube central axis and the cable longitudinal axis.

In some arrangements, the fiber termination system may further include a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the housing. The cover portion may include respective portions of the plurality of housing tubes. When the cover covers the inside of the housing, the cover and the housing may together form an integral body of the plurality of housing tubes.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include an adhesive applied to the housing and the catch to limit movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing when the catch is received in the housing and the cable is received through the first portion of the first channel.

In some arrangements, the housing includes a base and a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the base. In such an arrangement, the fiber optic terminal assembly may include latches that can slide over corresponding closure portions of the base and cover. In a first position of the latch, when the cover covers the interior of the base, the latch cover may be on the closed portion of the cover such that the cover cannot be opened, and in a second position of the latch, when the cover covers the interior of the base, the latch is offset from the closed portion of the cover such that the cover can be opened.

In some arrangements, the housing includes a base and a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the base. In such an arrangement, the fiber termination system may include a latch attached to the base or cover. When the cover covers the interior of the base, the latch may latch the cover to the base in the closed position of the latch such that the cover cannot be opened. The cover may be able to be opened when the cover covers the interior of the base in the open position of the latch.

In some arrangements, the clasp may be an adjustable clamp attached or attachable to the housing. In such an arrangement, the catch may be configured to receive at least the first optical fiber of the first cable. When the clip is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, the clamp may limit movement of the first cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing when tightened. The clamp may allow the first cable to separate from the clamp when released.

In some such arrangements, the adjustable clamp may be a screw.

In some arrangements, the optical fiber and terminal assembly may include an adapter and a second cable. The adapter may be attached or attachable to the housing. The second cable may include a second optical fiber. The first and second cables may be attached to the adapter such that the ends of the first and second optical fibers may face and align with each other.

In some such arrangements, the first and second cables may include respective first and second connectors that may attach the first and second cables to the adapter to align the respective first and second optical fibers with one another.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a housing wall that may divide the housing into separate compartments. The adapter can be received and extend into the housing wall.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic terminus assembly may further include a stabilizer attached or attachable to an inner surface of the housing. The stabilizer may be spaced apart from the adapter. The stabilizer may be configured to support at least the first optical fiber.

In some such arrangements, the first optical fiber of the first cable may extend through at least the stabilizer. In such an arrangement, the stabilizer may comprise a slot, wherein at least the first optical fiber is within and extends through the slot of the stabilizer.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic terminal assembly may include a routing protrusion that may extend from the housing or that may extend from the housing such that a portion of the first optical fiber of the first cable extending between the adjustable clamp and the stabilizer is at least partially wrapped around the routing protrusion.

In some such arrangements, the first cable may form an angle of approximately 90 degrees when attached to the adapter and wrapped at least partially around the routing protrusion.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic terminus assembly may further include a coupling tube and a plug. The coupling tube may extend from and around the first cable. The coupling tube may include opposing ends separated by a thickness. One or both of the opposite ends of the coupling tube may be chamfered. The plug may be inserted into the housing. The plug may compress the coupling tube at a first position relative to the housing, which may result in compressing the first portion of the first cable to maintain the position of the first portion of the first cable relative to the plug. The first portion of the first cable may be movable relative to the plug when the plug is in a second position relative to the housing.

In some arrangements, either or both of the coupling tube and the plug may include a slot through which the first cable may be inserted.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic terminus assembly may further include a wall and a first cover. The wall may define a plurality of compartments. The first cover may cover at least one of the plurality of compartments.

In some such arrangements, the fiber optic terminal assembly may include a second cover, wherein the first and second covers may share a hinge.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic terminus assembly may further include a second cover that may cover the first cover and the plurality of compartments.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a slot. In such an arrangement, the catch may be an insert assembly which may include a flexible insert insertable into the slot. The flexible insert may include a plurality of insertion holes that may form a portion of the channel including the first channel and may be configured to receive a plurality of electrical cables. The plurality of insertion holes may include a first insertion hole and the plurality of cables may include a first cable.

In some arrangements, the first insertion hole may include a rib that may be configured to provide an interference fit when the first cable is received in the first insertion hole.

In some arrangements, the flexible insertion assembly may include an adjustable clamp that may be configured to receive at least the first optical fiber of the first cable. When the insert assembly is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first insertion hole and the first portion of the first channel, the clamp may limit movement of the first cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing when tightened. The clamp may allow the first cable to separate from the clamp when released.

In some such arrangements, the adjustable clamp may be a screw.

In some arrangements, the insert assembly may further comprise a plate portion that may be attached or attachable to the insert and may be configured to extend into the interior of the housing. In such an arrangement, the clip may be attached or attachable to the plate portion.

In some arrangements, the insert may further include a slit along a length of the first insertion bore such that the first cable may be received in the first passage through the slit.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a first slot. In some such arrangements, the catch may include a first set of stacked layers that may be received in the first slot. The combination of stacked layers of the first set of stacked layers may define a plurality of insertion apertures that may be configured to receive a plurality of cables, respectively, the plurality of cables including the first cable.

In some arrangements, the first set of stacked layers may include a first layer that may define a plurality of first grooves and a second layer adjacent to the first layer that may define a plurality of second grooves. The combination of the corresponding first and second grooves of the first and second layers may define a plurality of insertion holes.

In some arrangements, one or both of the first and second plurality of grooves may have a cross-section in a sawtooth pattern. In some arrangements, one or both of the first and second grooves may have a cross-section in a chevron pattern. In some arrangements, either or both of the first and second grooves may have a cross-section that may define an arc. In some arrangements, the plurality of insertion holes may define a cross-section in the form of a circle.

In some such arrangements, the clasp may further include a fastener that may extend through the first and second layers and may be configured to attach to the housing. In such an arrangement, the fastener may clamp the first and second layers together and thus may clamp the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes when the fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in one of the plurality of insertion holes.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a first slot. In some such arrangements, the catch may include multiple sets of stacked layers that may be received into the first slot. The combination of stacked layers of each set of stacked layers may define a plurality of insertion apertures that may be configured to receive a plurality of cables, respectively, including the first cable.

In some arrangements, each set of stacked layers may include a flexible first layer that may define a plurality of first grooves and a flexible second layer adjacent to the first layer that may define a plurality of second grooves. A combination of the corresponding first and second recesses of the plurality of first and second recesses of each of the respective first and second layers may define a plurality of insertion apertures. In some arrangements, the first and second layers in each stacked layer may be made of a flexible plastic or rubber. In some arrangements, the clasp may further comprise a rigid intermediate layer located between each set of stacked layers. In some such arrangements, the rigid intermediate layer may be attached to the second layer of one of the sets of stacked layers and the first layer of another of the sets of stacked layers. In some arrangements, the clasp may further include a rigid outer layer that may define an outer end of the clasp. In some such arrangements, the rigid outer layer may be attached to a first layer of one of the plurality of sets of stacked layers. In some arrangements, a second layer of one of the sets of stacked layers may be attached to the housing such that the housing may define an inner end of the clasp opposite the outer end. In some arrangements, the clasp may further include a rigid inner layer, which may be opposite the outer layer and may be attached to the housing. In such an arrangement, the inner layer may define an inner end of the catch.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a base and a cover configured for attachment with or rotatable attachment to the base. In such an arrangement, the entire first slot may extend in the base such that the entire catch may be received in the first slot.

In some arrangements, the clasp may further include at least one first fastener that may extend through at least a first set and a second set of the plurality of stacked layers, and at least a second fastener that may extend through only the second set of the plurality of stacked layers. Each of the first and second fasteners may be configured to attach to the housing. A first fastener may clamp the first and second layers of each of the first and second sets of stacked layers together, thereby clamping the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes when the first fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in the one of the plurality of insertion holes. The second fastener may clamp the first and second layers of the second set of stacked layers together without clamping the first and second layers of the first set of stacked layers together. In this manner, when the second fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in one of the plurality of insertion holes defined by the second set of stacked layers, the second fastener can clamp the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes defined by the second set of stacked layers.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include a plurality of stacked panels and a plurality of first cables. A plurality of stacked panels may be coupled to an inner surface of the housing. Each panel may include an array of adapters, wherein each adapter is movable relative to an interior surface of the housing. Each of the plurality of first cables can have an end receivable in a first port of the plurality of adapters such that the first cable can move toward and away from one or more other first cables of the plurality of first cables when received in the first port.

In some arrangements, the stacked panels may be in the form of a patch panel assembly. In some arrangements, an end of each of the plurality of first cables may be defined by an optical connector.

In some arrangements, each panel of the plurality of stacked panels may further include a panel base secured to the housing and to the adapter array of the respective panel. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of the panel base may be rotatable in a direction toward and away from the inner surface of the housing. In some arrangements, the adapter of at least one of the panels is movable relative to the panel base. In some arrangements, the adapter of at least one of the panels may rotate within a plane defined by the panel including the adapter. In some arrangements, the adapter of at least one of the panels may be hingeable relative to the panel base. In some arrangements, the adapter of at least one of the panels may slide relative to the panel base.

In some arrangements, each panel of the plurality of stacked panels may further include a panel base secured to the housing and to the adapter array of the respective panel. In such an arrangement, at least a portion of the panel base may slide in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the housing.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include a plurality of second cables, each second cable including a second optical fiber. Each of the second cables may have an end that may be received into or may extend from the second port of a respective one of the plurality of adapters. When an end of one of the first cables is received in the first port of the corresponding one of the plurality of adapters and an end of one of the second cables is received in or extends from the corresponding one of the plurality of adapters, the end of the one of the second cables may be aligned with the end of the one of the first cables.

In some arrangements, a plurality of second cables may extend through the housing. In some arrangements, an end of each of the plurality of second cables may be defined by an optical connector.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a second slot, which may be spaced apart from the first slot and configured to receive a plurality of second cables. In some such arrangements, the fiber optic terminus assembly may further include a sleeve that may surround the second cable such that the second cable may be bundled together by the sleeve. In some such arrangements, the sleeve may be rigid and the second cable may be flexible.

In some arrangements, the fiber termination system may further include a second slot insertion assembly that may be received into the second slot. In some such arrangements, the sleeve may be rigid and the second cable may be flexible.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a base and a cover configured for attachment with or rotatable attachment to the base. In such an arrangement, the entire second slot may extend in the base such that the entire second slot insert assembly may be received in the first slot.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a base and a cover configured for attachment with or rotatable attachment to the base. In such an arrangement, the edge of the base or the edge of the cover may overlap the other of the edge of the base and the edge of the cover.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a base and a cover rotatably attached to the base. In such an arrangement, the cover is detachable from the base at a range of rotational angles relative to the base.

In some arrangements, the housing may include a first slot. In such an arrangement, the catch may comprise a plurality of stacked layers that may be received into the first slot. Each stacked layer may define a plurality of insertion apertures configured to receive a plurality of cables, including a first cable, respectively.

In some arrangements, at least some of the stacked layers that are receivable into the first slot may be separated by rigid plate portions. In some arrangements, the clasp may further include a fastener that may extend through the plurality of stacked layers and may be configured for attachment to the housing. In such an arrangement, the fastener may clamp the plurality of stacked layers together and thus may clamp the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes when the fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable receives one of the plurality of insertion holes.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic termination system may include a housing and a plurality of stacked panels. The housing may include a housing base and a housing wall extending from the housing base. The combination of the housing base and the housing wall may define an inner surface of the housing. A plurality of stacked panels may be coupled to an inner surface of the housing. Each panel may include an array of adapters. Each adapter may have ends that are movable in opposite first and second directions toward and away from an inner surface of the housing, and in opposite third and fourth directions toward and away from one or more adjacent adapters.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include a plurality of first cables, each first cable including a first optical fiber. Each first cable may have an end that may be received into or may extend from the first port of a respective one of the plurality of adapters.

In some arrangements, the fiber optic termination system may further include a plurality of second cables, each second cable including a second optical fiber and having an end that may be received into a second port of the plurality of adapters, such that the second cables, when received into the second ports, may be movable with the respective ends of the adapters in which the second cables are received. When an end of one of the second cables is received in the second port of the respective one of the plurality of adapters and an end of one of the first cables is received in or extends from the respective one of the plurality of adapters, the end of the one of the second cables may be aligned with the end of the one of the first cables. In some such arrangements, at least some of the first and second cables may extend through the housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a package can include a base, a lid, a first clamping mechanism, and a second clamping mechanism. The base may have opposing base side walls and opposing base end walls extending between the base side walls. Each opposing base sidewall may have a base edge surface, which may have a portion defining a convex first arc. The lid may be configured to cover the base and may have opposing lid side walls and opposing lid end walls extending between the lid side walls. Each opposing cover side wall may have a cover edge surface having a portion defining a concave second arc. A first clamping mechanism may be located on a first side of the package, the first clamping mechanism being attached or attachable to both: (i) attached or attachable to the base at a location not along the portion of the base edge surface defining the first convex arc, and (ii) attached or attachable to the cover at a location not along the portion of the cover edge surface defining the second concave arc. The second clamping mechanism may be located on a second side of the package opposite the first side of the package. The second clamping mechanism may be attached or attachable to both: (i) attached or attachable to the base at a location not along the portion of the base edge surface defining the first convex arc, and (ii) attached or attachable to the cover at a location not along the portion of the cover edge surface defining the second concave arc. When the cover covers the base, the first portion of the respective cover edge surface is spaced further from the respective first portion of the base edge surface than the corresponding second portion of the cover edge surface along the second arc is spaced from the corresponding second portion of the respective base edge surface. In such an arrangement, the second portion of the cover edge surface and the second portion of the base edge surface may be along a second arc. The cover edge surface may be configured to extend along the base edge surface when the cover covers the base and the first and second clamping mechanisms are attached to both the base and the cover, respectively. In some such arrangements, the package may be a housing for a fiber optic termination system.

In some arrangements, the first clamping mechanism may be attached to one of the base end walls or to a lid end wall corresponding to the one base end wall, and the second clamping mechanism may be attached to the other base end wall or the other lid end wall. In some arrangements, one or both of the first clamping mechanisms may be a hinge, a latch, a hook and a flange, a fastener (e.g., a screw or rivet), and a snap, the flange configured to receive the hook, wherein the hook is attached to the base or the lid, and the flange is attached to the other of the base or the lid, wherein a first snap portion of the snap is part of the base, a second snap portion of the snap is part of the lid, and the first and second snap portions snap together.

In some arrangements, the first portion of the respective cover edge surface may be an end of the second arc defined by the cover edge surface. In such an arrangement, the first portion of the respective base edge surface may be an end of the second arc defined by the cover edge surface, the first portion of the respective base edge surface is an end of the first arc defined by the base edge surface, the second portion of the respective cover edge surface is centered along the second arc, and the second portion of the respective base edge surface is centered along the first arc.

In some arrangements, the first arcs may be shorter than the respective second arcs. In some arrangements, when the cover covers the base and the first and second clamping mechanisms are attached to both the base and the cover, the first and second arcs may be of the same length and may be separated by a seal. In some arrangements, the cover edge surface may be configured to seal against the base edge surface when the cover covers the base and the first and second clamping mechanisms are attached to both the base and the cover, respectively.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic system may include a cable and a conduit. The cable may include an optical fiber. The conduit may be configured to surround an end of the cable. The conduit may include a barb, which may be configured to extend into an outer surface of the cable such that the conduit does not slide along the cable when the barb extends into the outer surface of the cable.

In some arrangements, the conduit may comprise a plurality of partial conduits attached to one another by one or more hinges.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic termination system may include a housing, a first cable, and a latch. The housing may define at least a first portion of a first channel and an inner surface surrounding the first portion of the first channel. The inner surface may define an interior of the housing. The first cable may be received through the first portion of the first channel. The first cable may include an optical fiber and may define a cable longitudinal axis. A catch may be received in the housing and may be attached to and may extend from the first cable in a direction transverse to the cable longitudinal axis such that when the catch is received in the housing and the cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, movement of the catch in a direction away from the interior of the housing may be limited by the inner surface of the housing. This movement of the catch may thereby restrict movement of the first cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing.

In some arrangements, the inner surface may define a step, and when the catch is received in the housing and the cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, movement of the catch in a direction away from the interior of the housing may be limited by the step.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic cable in a housing for connection with a fiber optic component can be received and maintained in a manner. In this method, the fiber optic cable may be received through the first passage of the housing. The housing may define an inner surface that defines an interior of the housing. In the method, a catch may be attached to a portion of the fiber optic cable such that movement of the catch in a direction away from the interior of the housing may be limited by the inner surface of the housing.

In some arrangements of the method, the step of the inner surface of the housing may be contacted, for example by a snap, when a force is applied to the fiber optic cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing along a central axis defined by the first channel.

In some arrangements of the method, the fiber optic cable may include a first optical fiber. In this arrangement of the method, the first optical fiber may be attached to an adapter configured to align the first optical fiber with the second optical fiber. In such an arrangement, the second optical fiber may be configured to perform one or both of the following: routing an optical signal to or receiving an optical signal routed from a first optical fiber.

In some arrangements of the method, movement of the first cable may be limited in a direction away from an interior of the housing.

In some arrangements of the method, a clip may be attached to the fiber optic cable prior to receiving the fiber optic cable through the first channel of the housing.

In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a housing for a fiber optic termination system can include opposing ports, an interior surface, and opposing sets of dividers. The fiber optic termination system for which the housing is constructed may include a plurality of cables and a plurality of clips assembled to and extending from the cables. The plurality of cable snaps and at least a portion of the plurality of cables can be inserted into the housing. Each of the opposing ports may be configured to receive a cable through the port. The inner surface may surround the opposing port. Opposing sets of dividers can extend from the inner surface. Each of the opposing separator sets may be configured to at least partially surround a cable clip such that the cable clip may be held in place relative to the housing when fully inserted into the housing. The inner surface or the opposing set of dividers can be configured to contact the cable catches to prevent removal of cables assembled to the cable catches.

In some arrangements, the housing may include an adapter configured for connection to the respective cable received through the opposing port when the cable is inserted into the housing.

In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a fiber optic termination system can include a first panel and a second panel. The first panel may include a first array of first connector assemblies. The second panel may be attached to the first panel and may overlie the first panel. The second panel may include a second array of second connector assemblies. The second connector assembly is movable to expose one of the first connector assemblies.

In some arrangements, the second connector assembly may be arranged to lie within the first plane and may be movable within the first plane to expose the one first connector assembly.

In some arrangements, the first array of first connector assemblies may be arranged to lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

In some arrangements, the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly may have the same shape and size.

In some arrangements, the first panel may further include a first base, and the first array of first connector assemblies may extend from the first base. In some such arrangements, the second panel may further include a second base, and the second array of second connector assemblies may extend from the second base.

In some arrangements, the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly may each include a first connector and an adapter attachable to a second connector such that the first connector and the second connector may be in optical communication.

In some arrangements, the fiber termination system may further include a package. In such an arrangement, the package may comprise a base, a lid and a flange. The cover may be attached to the base. The flange may be hingedly attached to the bottom of the base or the top of the lid. The flange may be rotatable to a closed position, wherein a portion of the flange may extend above the top of the cover when the flange is attached to the bottom of the base and above the top of the cover when the flange is attached to the bottom of the base.

In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, an optical connector assembly may include an adapter, an optical fiber, a back cover, and a central cover. The adapter may have opposite inner and outer ends. An optical fiber may be inserted into the inner end of the adapter. A rear cover may surround a portion of the optical fiber. A central cover may surround a portion of the adapter and may be attached to the rear cover.

In some arrangements, the optical fiber may include a connector that may be inserted into the inner end of the adapter.

In some arrangements, the optical connector assembly may further include a cap portion that may be attached to the central cover to cover the outer end of the adapter.

In some arrangements, a central cover may be connected to the rear cover by threads on a first end of the central cover and may be attached to the cap portion by threads on a second end of the central cover opposite the first end of the central cover.

In some arrangements, the optical connector assembly may further include a boss that may act as an adapter holder and may be located between and may contact the adapter and the center cap such that the boss is aligned with the adapter.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein, by way of illustration only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a fiber optic termination system according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the fiber optic termination system of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

Fig. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of a portion of a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly before and after insertion of the fiber optic cable, respectively, according to another embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of a portion of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the cable tube and housing of the fiber termination system shown in FIG. 6, taken along line 7A-7A;

fig. 7B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of a cable tube and a housing of a fiber optic termination system in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional plan view of a portion of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a fiber optic termination system according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a portion of the fiber termination system shown in FIG. 10A;

11A-11C are perspective views of cables according to other embodiments;

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a housing according to another embodiment;

fig. 12B to 12C are front views showing an open operation state and a closed operation state of the casing shown in fig. 12A;

13A-13H are cross-sectional elevation views of a housing according to other embodiments;

fig. 14 is a plan view of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 15A and 15B are perspective views of terminal unit assemblies according to other embodiments;

fig. 16A is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 14;

fig. 16B is a front view of a coupling tube of the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 14;

figure 16C is a perspective view of the plug of the terminal unit assembly shown in figure 14;

figure 16D is a plan view of the plug shown in figure 16C;

fig. 17A is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

figure 17B is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the insert of the terminal unit assembly shown in figure 18A taken along line 17B-17B;

fig. 17C is a sectional front view of the clip of the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 17A;

fig. 18 is a perspective view of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 19A is an exploded view of an insert assembly of the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 18;

fig. 19B and 19C are perspective views of an insertion layer for the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 18;

fig. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 18;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a portion of the insert assembly shown in FIG. 18;

Fig. 22A is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 22B is a perspective view of a center plate of the terminal unit assembly of fig. 22A;

fig. 23 is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 24A is a perspective view of a portion of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 24B is a perspective view of a supply side cable used with the terminal unit assembly shown in fig. 24A;

fig. 24C is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal unit assembly of fig. 24A;

fig. 24D is a perspective view of the exterior of the terminal unit assembly of fig. 24A;

fig. 25 is a schematic view showing a possible mounting position of the terminal unit assembly of fig. 24A;

fig. 26 is a plan view of a portion of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a patch panel assembly and attached fiber optic cable according to another embodiment;

fig. 28-32 are perspective views of patch panel assemblies according to additional embodiments;

fig. 33A, 33B and 34 are sectional front views of terminal unit assemblies according to additional embodiments;

FIG. 35A is a perspective view of a portion of a patch panel assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 35B illustrates a perspective view of a plate post of the patch panel assembly of FIG. 35A;

FIG. 36A is a perspective view of a portion of a patch panel assembly according to another embodiment;

FIG. 36B illustrates a perspective view of a plate post of the patch panel assembly of FIG. 35A;

FIG. 37A illustrates a perspective view of a patch panel assembly and an attached fiber optic cable according to one embodiment;

FIG. 37B illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the patch panel assembly of FIG. 37A;

FIG. 37C illustrates a perspective view of a plate post of the patch panel assembly of FIG. 37A;

fig. 38 to 41B show portions of terminal unit assemblies according to other embodiments;

fig. 42 is a perspective view of a housing for a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 43 and 44 are front views of packages according to other embodiments;

fig. 45-47 are perspective views of packages according to other embodiments; and

fig. 48 is a perspective view of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 49 and 50 are cross-sectional views of packages according to other embodiments;

fig. 51-53 are perspective views of packages according to other embodiments;

fig. 54A to 54C are perspective views of parts of supply-side cables according to other embodiments;

fig. 54D is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the supply-side cable of fig. 54A-54C;

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of an inner fiber optic cable according to an additional embodiment;

56A and 56B are front views of optical adapters according to other embodiments;

FIG. 57 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of a supply side cable according to another embodiment;

FIG. 58 is a partial exploded view of a portion of the supply side cable of FIG. 57;

fig. 59 and 60 are cross-sectional views of portions of supply side cables according to other embodiments;

fig. 61 and 62 are cross-sectional views of power side cables attached to connectors according to other embodiments;

fig. 63A is a plan view of a portion of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment;

fig. 63B is a perspective view of a portion of the terminal unit assembly of fig. 63A;

fig. 64 is a perspective view of a supply side cable of the terminal unit assembly of fig. 63A;

fig. 65 and 66 are perspective views of a terminal unit assembly according to another embodiment in a closed position and an open position, respectively;

FIG. 67 is a perspective view of a clip-on hinge according to another embodiment;

fig. 68A and 68B are cross-sectional front views of portions of a clip-on hinge according to other embodiments; and

fig. 68C is a perspective view of a clip-on hinge and a portion of a housing base according to another embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 1A and 1B, a fiber optic termination system 100 includes a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 110 and a package 150. The assembly 110 generally includes a housing 112, a plurality of optical devices enclosed by the housing, an input fiber optic cable 120, and a plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F. In the illustrated example, the plurality of optical devices includes an optical splitter 116 and a patch panel terminal 140, where the optical splitter 116 may be, but is not limited to, a Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) splitter, a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter, a multiplexer, or other optical function device having a similar function. In one embodiment, housing 112 may further include optical, optical/electronic or electronic devices coupled to splitter 116 for performing optical and electronic signal processing based on signals obtained from input optical signals from cable 120.

The input fiber optic cable 120 includes an input optical fiber 122 and an input outer jacket 124 surrounding a majority of the length of the input optical fiber. As shown in this example, the input fiber optic cable 120 may be an external equipment (OSP) cable. As shown, the input optical fiber 122 extends into the housing 112, where the input optical fiber 122 mates with another optical fiber 123, which other optical fiber 123 may be pre-installed in the housing 112 at the junction 113 by the input mating device 114, such as using a mechanical or fusion splice when the input mating device is a splice, or a mating connection connected by an adapter or other terminal when the input mating device is a terminal. As shown, optical fiber 123 may be coupled to splitter 116. In some arrangements, input fiber 122 may be a plurality of input fibers (e.g., a plurality of input fibers 122A-122C as shown in fig. 3) that may be spliced or otherwise formed into a mating connection with respective fibers connected to splitter 116 as just described. In such an arrangement (not shown), other optical splitters may be used between the mating device 114 and the optical splitter 116 such that the plurality of optical fibers to which the input optical fibers 122A-122C are directly connected are connected to a single optical fiber connected to the optical splitter 116.

The optical splitter 116, which may be an nxm power splitter or a wavelength (de) multiplexer, is a passive optical device that splits an optical beam provided by the input optical fiber 122 (or alternatively, the input mating arrangement 114) into a plurality of separate optical beams on the optical fibers 116A-116F. The terminals 142A-142F of the patch panel terminal 140 may be oriented to receive respective optical fibers 116A-116F from the optical splitter 116 (or in an alternative arrangement, split the optical beams in free space), and in response to receiving the respective optical beams, may be configured to provide respective optical signals to the respective terminals. As further shown, a plurality of output fibers 130A-130F are connected between respective ones 142A-142F of the patch panel terminals 140 and fiber optic terminals (only fiber optic terminal 152, fiber optic terminal 154 are shown) that are in communication with respective electronic devices or equipment (only electronic device 153, electronic device 155 are shown in phantom). Such an electronic device or equipment may be, but is not limited to, an antenna unit or a kiosk.

As shown in fig. 3, the input coupling tube or element 125 may act as a shroud that covers a portion of the input fiber optic cable 120 and, in some cases, an input outer jacket 124 adjacent where the input fibers 122 (or, in alternative arrangements as previously described, a plurality of input fibers 122A-122C) enter the housing 112 through input apertures in the housing. The input coupling tube 125 may abut or nearly abut the housing 112 to form a watertight seal against the housing. In this application, a "watertight seal" may be a seal conforming to IP68, corresponding to IEC standard 60529. The input coupling tube 125 may be made of rubber, soft and hard plastics such as elastomeric materials, or a combination thereof. The input coupling tube 125 may be adhered in one arrangement, such as by epoxy, or may be molded around the entire perimeter of an input aperture in the housing through which the input optical fiber 122 enters in another arrangement. In this or another alternative arrangement as shown in fig. 3, the input coupling tube 125 may define a groove 126 on its end adjacent the housing, and the portion of the housing defining the input aperture may be seated in the groove 126. The width of the groove 126 of the input coupling tube 125 along the longitudinal axis of the input coupling tube 125 may be less than or equal to the wall thickness at the portion of the housing defining the input aperture such that an interference fit is created when the housing is received in the groove of the input coupling tube to form a water-tight seal. Other arrangements for forming a watertight seal known to those of ordinary skill in the art are also contemplated. The input coupling tube 125 may have a stiffness sufficient to prevent bending to maintain a minimum bend radius or twist of the input optical fiber 122. As further shown in fig. 3, an inner seal 127 extends between the input coupling tube 125 and the fiber optic cable 120. The inner seal 127 is preferably made of a rubber material and is more resilient than the input coupling tube 125 to provide a water-tight seal between the inner seal 127 and the fiber optic cable 120 and between the inner seal 127 and the input coupling tube 125. The flange 119A of the housing 112 extends in a direction toward the interior of the housing and is threaded. The lock ring 128A is threaded onto the flange 119A of the housing 112 such that the lock ring presses the input coupling tube 125 against the housing 112 and the inner seal 127 against the input coupling tube 125 as shown to provide an additional sealing configuration.

The output coupling tube or element 160 may act as a shroud covering a portion of the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F. The output coupling tube 160 may comprise a plurality of components, which may be made of rubber, soft and hard plastics such as elastomeric materials, or a combination thereof. As shown in the illustrated example, the output coupling tube 160 may be generally larger than the input coupling tube 125 to receive the passage of multiple optical fibers 130A-130F, as compared to a single input optical fiber 122 passing through the input coupling tube. The output coupling tube 160 may be connected to the housing 112 in the same or substantially the same manner as the input coupling tube 125. In this manner, the output coupling tube 160 may abut or nearly abut the housing 112 to form a watertight seal against the housing around the entire perimeter of the housing's output aperture through which the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F extend. Further, the output coupling tube 160 may be connected in the package 150 in the same or substantially the same manner as the housing 112 is connected. In this manner, the output coupling tube 160 may abut or nearly abut the package 150 to form a watertight seal against the housing around the entire perimeter of the package aperture through which the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F further extend through the package.

As shown in fig. 1B, the output coupling tube 160 is configured and attached to the housing 112 and the packaging 150 in the same manner as the input coupling tube 125 is attached to the housing 112, except that no internal seal, such as internal seal 127, is used for the output coupling tube 160 due to the connection of the output coupling tube 160 between the packaging 150 and the housing 112. In this manner, the catch 128B attached to flange 119B only presses the output coupling tube 160 against the housing 112, while the catch 158 attached to flange 159 only presses the output coupling tube 160 against the package 150.

Referring now to fig. 2, a fiber termination system 200 may include a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 210 and a package 150. The assembly 210 is identical to the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 110, except that the output coupling tube 160 is replaced by an output outer jacket 235, a cable connector 270, an output inner coupling tube or member 260, and an output inner coupling tube or member 265. As shown, in this example, the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F extend from the housing 112 through the output outer jacket 235 and the cable connector 270, and the cable connector 270 may be attached to the package 150 by a screw connection or other connection known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

An output inner coupling tube 260 substantially similar to the input coupling tube 125 may be connected with the housing 112 in the same or substantially the same manner as the input coupling tube 125 and the output coupling tube 160 of the input fiber optic cable 120 previously described herein. In this manner, the output interior coupling tube 260 may abut or nearly abut the housing 112 to form a watertight seal against the housing around the entire perimeter of the housing's output aperture through which the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F extend. The output outer coupling tube 265 may serve as a shroud that covers a portion of the output inner coupling tube 260 adjacent to where the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F extend from the housing 112. The output outer coupling tube 265 may include a neck that is located at a spaced location from the housing 112 and may have a smaller circumference than other sections of the outer coupling tube along its length. In this manner, the neck of the outer coupling tube 265 may conform to the perimeter of the output outer sheath 235 or the perimeter of the output inner coupling tube 260, or both, to form a waterproof seal.

Referring now to fig. 3, a fiber termination system 200A may include a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 210A and a package 150. The assembly 210A is identical to the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 210, except that the output inner coupling tube or member 260 is replaced with an output inner coupling tube 260A, and the output outer coupling tube or member 265 is replaced with an output outer coupling tube 266. The output inner coupling tube 260A is identical or substantially identical to the output inner coupling tube 260, except that the output inner coupling tube 260A includes a recess 262. The shape of the output outcoupling tube 266 is such that when properly placed against the housing 112, the inner diameter of the end of the output outcoupling tube furthest from the housing is smaller than the inner diameter of the opposite end of the output outcoupling tube. The output outer coupling tube 266 includes a flange 267 that corresponds to the groove 262 of the output inner coupling tube 260A such that when the output outer coupling tube and the output inner coupling tube are properly seated, the flange 267 of the output outer coupling tube is seated in the groove 262, as shown in FIG. 3. In this way, a watertight seal is formed between the inner output coupling tube 260A and the output outer coupling tube 266.

In use, with any of the arrangements previously described herein, when a light beam exits the input optical fiber 120, the light beam is split by the splitter 116 into split light beams, which the splitter 116 routes along the respective optical fibers 116A-116F to the respective terminals 142A-142F of the patch panel terminals 140. The respective terminals 142A-142F then route the respective light beams from the optical fibers 116A-116F along the output optical fibers 130A-130F to fiber optic terminals, such as

fiber optic terminals

152, 154, within the package 150. The respective optical beams from the optical fibers 116A-116F may undergo optical signal processing and, if converted to respective electrical signals, may also undergo electrical signal processing, which may include routing through switches or other electrical or optical paths that control the routing of the optical and/or electrical signals.

Referring now to the example in fig. 4A and 4B, a fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 310 that may form part of a fiber optic termination system with the package 150 may have the configuration of the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 110 or the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 210, except that the assembly 310 includes an input coupling element 325. The input coupling element 325 includes an outer shroud 326, an inner shroud 327, an inner lock ring 328, which may be tapered, and an outer lock ring 329 attached to the housing 112. The inner shroud 327 may be an O-ring as in the example shown or may be integrally formed with the outer shroud 326 such that the inner and outer shrouds are not separable without either or both of them breaking. As shown, the inner locking ring 328 and the outer locking ring 329 may be attached by a threaded connection. Inner shroud 327 may be positioned between the taper of inner lock ring 328 and housing 112 and around an input aperture of the housing through which input fiber optic cable 320, which may be a "pushable" cable, including connector 321 may extend. In use, as shown in fig. 4A, a portion of an input fiber optic cable 320 can be inserted into the input coupling element 325, and then a connector 321 of the input fiber optic cable can be inserted into the optical splitter 116 (see fig. 1-3). Subsequently, the inner locking ring 328 may be rotated to advance the inner locking ring toward the inner surface of the housing 112. In this manner, inner lock ring 328, which may be rigid, may compress inner shroud 327, thereby causing the inner shroud to form a water-tight seal around a portion of input fiber optic cable 120, as shown in FIG. 4B. Similarly, the configuration of input coupling element 325 may also be applied to the output coupling element and its interface with housing 112 and its interface, or an alternative arrangement of interfaces having separate coupling elements of the same configuration as package 150. In this case, multiple connectors of a corresponding plurality of fiber optic cables, such as the connectors of incoming fiber optic cable 320, may be inserted directly into corresponding ones of the patch panel terminals 140.

Upon assembly of fiber

optic termination systems

100, 200, an operator, such as, but not limited to, an optoelectrical technician or electrician, may connect the plurality of output optical fibers 130A-130F to respective terminals within package 150. The operator may then connect the output coupling tube 160 of the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly 110 to the package 150 (as in the example of the fiber termination system 100), or connect the cable connector 270 of either of the fiber optic cable and

terminal unit assemblies

210, 210A to the package 150 (as in the examples of the

fiber termination system

200, 210A, respectively).

In some alternative arrangements, the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assemblies (e.g.,

assemblies

110, 210A, 310) may not include an input mating device 114, but rather the patch panel terminals of any such assembly may include additional ports through which input fibers 122 may be connected to additional fibers, or in a similar arrangement having a plurality of input fibers 122A-122C, input fibers 122 may be connected to an additional set of ports and the plurality of input fibers entering the additional set of ports may be connected to respective additional fibers. In such an arrangement, the additional fiber to which the input fiber 122 is connected or the additional fibers to which the plurality of input fibers 122A-122C are connected may be connected to the splitter 116 operating in the same manner as previously described herein.

In an alternative arrangement, the output fibre optic cable may be replaced with electrically conductive wires. In such an arrangement, the conductive wires may be electrically connected to the patch panel terminals within the housing of the cable and terminal unit assembly and to the electronics or equipment within the package. In this way, the patch panel terminals may route or transmit electrical signals, or optical-to-electrical converters (which may be integrated with the patch panel terminals in some cases) optically connected to the patch panel terminals through shortened output fibers may route or transmit electrical signals and, in some arrangements, route or transmit power to corresponding electronic devices or equipment in the package.

In some alternative arrangements, the input fiber optic cable or the plurality of output fiber optic cables may be replaced with "pushable" cables, as previously described herein with respect to the examples of fig. 4A and 4B. In such an arrangement, the input optical fibers may be inserted directly into the optical splitter and a plurality of output optical fiber cables may be inserted into respective ones of the patch panel terminals.

Referring now to fig. 5, fiber optic termination system 400 includes a housing 412, an input cable 420, an output cable 430, an adapter 450 attached to the housing, and input and output retaining rings 428A, 428B. The housing 412 includes a base 413 and a cover 414, the cover 414 being attached to the base by a hinge 415 such that the cover is rotatable relative to the base. As shown, the exterior of the base 413 includes a closure flange 408A and a closure flange 408B, and the exterior of the lid 414 includes a closure hook 409A, 409B that is complementary to the closure flanges. In this way, the cover 414 may be locked onto the base 413. In an alternative arrangement, at least one of the closure flanges may be reversed with its complementary closure hook such that one or more of the closure flanges extend from the outer surface of the lid portion and the corresponding one or more of the closure hooks extend from the base portion.

The base 413 of the housing 412 includes an input first partial housing tube 416A opposite an output first partial housing tube 417A, and likewise the cover 414 of the housing 412 includes an input second partial housing tube 416B opposite an output second partial housing tube 417B. As shown in the illustrated example, each of the input first and second partial housings 416A, 416B and the output first and second partial housing tubes 417A, 417B may include partial threads. In this manner, the input first partial housing tube 416A and the second partial housing tube 416B may be aligned with each other and the output first partial housing tube 417A and the second partial housing tube 417B may be aligned with each other such that when the cover 414 is closed onto the base 413, the input first partial housing tube 416A and the input second partial housing tube 416B may form a complete input housing tube having a full set of threads and the output first partial housing tube 417A and the second partial housing tube 417B may form a complete output housing tube having a full set of threads.

As further shown, opposing cable guides 418A, 418B may be attached to an inner surface of the base 413 of the housing 412. The

guides

418A and 418B may be symmetrical as shown, and each of the

guides

418A and 418B may include opposing notches 419A and 419B, the notches 419A and 419B configured to prevent over-insertion of the respective input and

output cables

420 and 430. As shown in the illustrated example, the main housing seal 481 may be inserted into the groove along a mating surface of the base 413 of the housing 412 such that when the cover 414 is closed, a water-tight seal is formed between the main housing seal and the cover. In an alternative arrangement, the main housing seal may be inserted into a similar recess in the cover to form a seal between such main housing seal and the base. As shown in the illustrated example, the partial input casing tube seal 482A and the partial input casing tube seal 482B may be inserted into circumferential grooves along respective inner surfaces of the input first and second partial casing tubes 416A and 416B, and likewise, the partial output casing tube seal 483A and the partial output casing tube seal 483B may be inserted into circumferential grooves along respective inner surfaces of the output first and second partial casing tubes 417A and 417B. In this manner, when the cover 414 is closed, the partial input housing tube seal 482A and the partial input housing tube seal 482B may be aligned to form a complete seal, and the partial output housing tube seal 483A and the partial output housing tube seal 483B may be aligned to form a complete seal.

As shown in the preferred arrangement shown, the threads on the partial housing tubes 416A, 416B, 417A, 417B may be external threads and the threads on the respective retaining rings 428A, 428B may be internal threads, as shown in the example of fig. 8. In an alternative arrangement, the threads on the partial housing tubes may be internal threads and the threads on the respective retaining rings may be external threads, wherein the inner diameters defined by the partial housing tubes and the respective retaining rings may be correspondingly varied to receive the respective input and output cables.

Referring again to fig. 5, in the example shown, the input cable 420 includes an input optical fiber 422 and an input outer jacket 424 surrounding a majority of the length of the input optical fiber, wherein the input connector 425 defines an end of the input cable insertable into the first end of the adapter 450. Similarly, the output cable 430 includes an output optical fiber 432 and an output outer jacket 434 surrounding a majority of the length of the output optical fiber, wherein the output connector 435 defines an end of the input cable insertable into a second end of the adapter 450 opposite the first end. When connector 425 and connector 435 are inserted into adapter 450, the adapter aligns the input connector with the output connector such that the light beam transmitted by the input connector is received by the output connector. The input cable 420 further includes an input cable tube 429 surrounding and attached to the input outer sheath 424, and the output cable 430 further includes an output cable tube 439 surrounding and attached to the output outer sheath 434.

In use of the fiber optic termination system 400, the input cable 420 and the output cable 430 may be inserted into the housing 412 such that the input cable tube 429 abuts the slot 419A of the cable guide 418A and the slot 419B of the cable guide 418B and such that the output cable tube 439 abuts the slot 419A of the cable guide 418B and the slot 419B of the cable guide 418A. When the

connectors

425, 435 of the respective input and

output cables

420, 430 are inserted into opposite sides of the adapter 450, the input and

output cable tubes

429, 439 are received within the interior of the housing 412. The input cable 420 may be inserted through the input retainer ring 428A before or after the cover 414 is closed, and the input retainer ring may be threaded onto the combination of the input housing tube 416A and the input housing tube 416B when the cover is closed. Similarly, the output cable 430 may be inserted through the output retainer ring 428B before or after the cover 414 is closed, and the output retainer ring may be threaded onto the combination of the output housing tube 417A and the output housing tube 417B when the cover is closed. In this manner, each of the input cable tube 429 and the output cable tube 439 may function as a catch for preventing the respective input cable 420 and output cable 430 from exiting the housing 412.

More specifically, as shown in the illustrated example, the input and

output cables

429, 439 may have an outer diameter that is greater than the minimum inner diameter of the respective input and output retaining rings 428A, 428B through which the respective input and

output cables

420, 430 pass. In this manner, when the input connector 425 and the output connector 435 are disconnected from the adapter 450 and the respective input cable 420 and output cable 430 are pulled toward the passage through which the input cable 420 and output cable 430 extend in a direction away from the interior of the housing 412, the input cable tube 429 and the output cable tube 439 may abut their respective retaining rings to prevent the cable tubes from being removed from the housing, thereby preventing the portions of the input cable extending from the input cable tube to the connector end of the input cable and the portions of the output cable extending from the output cable tube to the connector end of the output cable, respectively, from exiting the housing. In certain alternative arrangements, the input and

output cables

429, 439 may have a larger outer diameter than the corresponding passages defined by the partial housing tubes 416A, 416B, respectively, and 417A, 417B, respectively, when the cover 414 is in the closed position. In this manner, when the input connector 425 and the output connector 435 are disconnected from the adapter 450 and the respective input cable 420 and output cable 430 are pulled toward the passage through which the input cable 420 and output cable 430 extend in a direction away from the interior of the housing 412, the input cable tube 429 and the output cable tube 439 may abut the inner surfaces of the housing 412 surrounding the combination of the partial housing tube 416A and the partial housing tube 416B and the combination of the partial housing tube 417A and the partial housing tube 417B, respectively, acting as a catch to prevent the cable tubes from being removed from the housing, thereby preventing the portions of the input cable extending from the input cable tube to the connector end of the input cable and the portions of the output cable extending from the output cable tube to the connector end of the output cable from exiting the housing. An arrangement substantially similar to this alternative arrangement is shown in the example of fig. 6.

Optionally, as shown in fig. 5, fiber termination system 400 may include a coupling tube 460, coupling tube 460 including a tapered flange 462 extending from a central core 465, coupling tube 460 may be placed between input retention ring 428A and housing 412, or between output retention ring 428B and housing 412 as in the example shown, or the system may include two coupling tubes, which may be placed at two such locations. In use, cable 420 and cable 430 may be inserted through coupling tube 460 along a longitudinal axis defined by the coupling tube, or, in an arrangement in which the coupling tube includes a slit as in the example of fig. 5, cable 420 and cable 430 may be inserted through the slit into the coupling tube. In this arrangement, when coupled to the respective partial casing tubes 416A, 416B, 417A, 417B, the retaining rings 428A, 428B may have a taper corresponding to the taper of the tapered flange 462 of the coupling tube 460 as shown, which presses the tapered flanges against the respective partial casing tubes. Compression of the flange 462 of the tube 460 may result in compression of a portion of the input cable 420 or the output cable 430, as the case may be, to provide sealing and mechanical clamping of the portion of the cable relative to the flange and thus relative to the housing 412, thereby providing additional structure to prevent the cable from exiting the housing. Further, when flange 462 of tube 460 is so compressed, the interface between the flange and

cables

420, 430 may form a watertight seal.

Referring now to fig. 6, the fiber optic termination system 500 includes a housing 512, a plurality of cables 520, a plurality of adapters 550, a plurality of threaded retaining rings 528, and a plurality of coupling tubes 560. Although only a portion of the fiber termination system 500 is shown, it should be understood that the system may be symmetrical, for example, the system may include a retaining ring that is identical to the retaining ring 528 on the opposite side of the housing 512 shown in fig. 6. As in the example shown, the retention ring 528 may be identical to the retention rings 428A, 428B. As shown, housing 512 may be at least substantially similar to housing 412, with certain notable exceptions. One such exception is that housing 512 may include multiple combinations of partial housing tubes 516 (only partial housing tubes of base 513 of housing 512 are shown) that form a complete housing tube when the cover of housing 512 is closed on each side of the housing, rather than only a single combination of partial housing tubes that form a complete housing tube on each side of the housing, as with housing 412. Another such exception is that the housing 512 includes a divider 518 and a hook 519 for holding components such as an adapter 550 and a cable tube 529 of a cable 520 as shown in the figures in a fixed position within the housing.

Cable 520 may be at least substantially similar to either of

cables

420, 430, or in cases substantially similar to each other, cable 520 may be at least substantially similar to both of

cables

420, 430, except that when the cover portion of housing 512 is in the closed position, cable 520 may include a cable tube 529 having a larger outer diameter than the corresponding passage defined by portions of housing tube 516. In this manner, as previously described, when the connector 525 of the cable 520 is disconnected from the adapter 550 and the cable 520 is pulled toward the passage through which the cable 520 extends in a direction away from the interior of the housing 512, the cable tube 529 can abut the combined inner surface of the surrounding portion of the housing tube 516 of the housing 512 and thus act as a catch that prevents the cable tube from being removed from the housing, and thereby prevents the corresponding portion of the cable that extends from the cable tube to the connector end of the cable from exiting the housing.

As further shown, the coupling tubes 560 each include a main flange 562, and as shown, the main flange 562 may taper in both directions in the form of a central tapered portion 563 and an outer tapered portion 564, and a secondary flange 565 spaced apart from the main flange, except that the coupling tubes 560 may be at least substantially similar to the coupling tubes 160. Unlike the partial shell tubes 416A, 416B, 417A, 417B of the shell 412, the front edge of the partial shell tube 516 may include a chamfer 516A that tapers inwardly toward the interior of the shell 512. In this manner, the central tapered portion 563 of the primary flange 562 adjacent the secondary flange 565 may taper toward the central axis defined by the partial shell tube 516 at the same angle as the chamfer 516A tapers toward these central axes. When coupled to the respective partial housing tube 516, the retaining ring 528 may have a taper corresponding to the outer tapered portion 564 of the coupling tube 560 as shown, which presses the respective main flange 562 against the respective partial housing tube in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the main flange tapered portion 563, the tapered portion 564. Such compression of any one of the major flanges 562 of the coupling tube 560 can cause compression of a portion of the respective cable 520 to prevent the portion of the cable from moving relative to the flange and thus relative to the housing 512, thereby providing additional structure to prevent the cable from exiting the housing. Further, when the main flange 562 of the tube 560 is so compressed, the interface between the main flange and the respective cable 520 may form a watertight seal.

Further, unlike the partial shell tube 416A, the partial shell tube 416B, the partial shell tube 417A, and the partial shell tube 417B of the shell 412, the partial shell tube 516 of the shell 512 may include a groove configured to receive a corresponding second flange 565 of the coupling tube 560. Receiving the second flange 565 within the groove of the partial housing tube 516 helps to maintain the position of the coupling tube 560 relative to the partial housing tube, particularly prior to insertion of the cable 520 and during sealing of the coupling tube relative to the partial housing tube. In some arrangements, the second flange 565 may be sized slightly larger in any direction than the groove configured to receive the second flange, such that when the cover of the housing 512 is closed, the second flange may be compressed by the integral groove formed by the combination of adjacent grooves of the abutting partial housing tubes 516. In this manner, the interface between the second flange 565 and the corresponding integral groove formed by the combination of adjacent grooves of the abutting partial housing tubes 516 may form a watertight seal. Such a seal may be in addition to the previously described seal at the interface between the main flange 562 of the tube 560 and the respective cable 520.

As shown in fig. 7A, each cable tube 529 may be received between a pair of hook portions 519. Each cable tube 529 may be inserted between the hook portions in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the cable tube, or may be inserted by pressing the cable tube between the hook portions in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by the cable tube. As shown, the cover portion 514 of the housing 512 may include a protrusion 514A on the cover portion such that when the cover portion is closed, the protrusion contacts the cable tube 529 and, in some arrangements, slightly compresses the cable tube 529. In this manner, the combination of the pair of hook portions 519 and protrusion portions 514A may fix the position of the respective cable tube 529 in a circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis defined by the cable tube, and when the pair of hook portions and protrusion portions of the cover portion are sufficiently pressed against the cable tube, the position of the respective cable tube 529 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis defined by the cable tube may be fixed.

In an alternative arrangement shown in fig. 7B, each cable tube 529 may be received between a single hook 519 and divider 518 and the protrusion 514A of the cover 514. Each cable tube 529 can thus be fixed in place in a similar manner to the arrangement shown in the example of fig. 7A. Referring again to fig. 7A, a portion of the hook 519 adjacent the inner surface 510 of the housing 512 may be chamfered or, in an alternative arrangement, rounded to more closely correspond to the shape of the cable tube 529 received by the hook. Such chamfers and radii may also be used for the interface of the divider 518 and the inner surface 510 of the housing 512. In other arrangements, such as the example shown in fig. 7B, the interface of any divider 518 or hook 519 with the inner surface of the housing may be less chamfered or rounded, or even neither chamfered nor rounded, to provide a space between the cable tube 529 and such a divider or hook.

Referring again to fig. 8, fiber termination system 600 may be at least substantially similar to fiber termination system 500, with the obvious exception that fiber termination system 600 may include a coupling tube 660 as shown, or in an alternative arrangement, a plurality of coupling tubes 660 replace coupling tube 560, and housing 612 replaces housing 512. Coupling tube 660 is at least substantially similar to coupling tube 560, with the obvious exception that coupling tube 560 may not include a second flange, such that the tapered portion of coupling tube 660 extends to the opposite end of coupling tube 660. Likewise, as shown in the illustrated example, a portion of the housing tube 616 of the housing 612 may not include a groove for receiving the second flange.

Referring now to fig. 9, a fiber termination system 700 is at least substantially similar to fiber termination system 500, with the obvious exception that fiber termination system 700 may include a housing 712 in place of housing 512, one or more terminal unit assemblies 740, and optical fibers 732 in place of output cables 430. The terminal unit assembly 740 may be similar to the terminal unit assembly 110 and, as shown, may be attached to the inner surface 710 of the housing 712 below the adapter 550 and the input cable 420, and the input cable 420 may be held above the adapter by a central platform 711 for space efficiency within the housing. In some arrangements, each terminal unit assembly may include a housing as shown through which the optical fibers 732 are received, and any one or any combination of a plurality of optical, optoelectronic or electronic devices, which may be, but are not limited to, optical splitters such as optical splitter 116, and patch panel terminals such as patch panel terminals 140, or other modular connectors. Such optical, optoelectronic or electronic devices may perform one or both of optical and electronic signal processing based on signals obtained from the input cable 420. The optical fiber 732 may terminate within the housing 712 of the terminal unit assembly 740 such that the optical fiber transmits an optical signal to any one or any combination of optical, optoelectronic, or electronic devices. Although not shown, one or more additional optical fibers may be connected to the terminal unit assembly 740 so that optical signals may be transmitted from the terminal unit assembly after the terminal unit assembly has undergone any such optical and electrical signal processing.

Referring to fig. 10A and 10B, the fiber optic termination system 800 may be at least substantially similar to the fiber optic terminal 500, with the notable exception that the fiber optic termination system 800 may include a housing 812 in place of the housing 512, a housing tube 816 in place of a portion of the housing tube 516, a coupling tube 860 in place of the coupling tube 560, a seal ring 875, and a retention ring 828 in place of the retention ring 528. In the example shown, the system 800 is a multi-port system, however, in an alternative arrangement, a similar system may include only one port at each end of a similar housing. As shown, the housing 812 includes a base 813 and a cover 814. Base 813 may be similar to base 513, with the obvious exception that in the example shown, base 813 may include thicker sections 807 at opposite ends of the base. In this manner, as further shown, the base 813 may include a complete housing tube 816, the complete housing tube 816 being configured for receiving a fiber optic cable, such as cable 520. In contrast to the housing 512, where the cables 520 may be disposed onto the respective partial housing tubes 516 prior to the cover 514 being closed, the cables 820 may be inserted through channels 816A defined by the housing tubes 816. As shown in the illustrated example, the inner diameter of each channel 816A may be equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the cable 520 corresponding to the cable tube 529 of the housing tube 816 when the cable tube is pre-assembled to the cable. In this manner, the cable 520 including its cable tube 529 may be inserted through the channel 816A into the housing 812. In an alternative arrangement, each channel 816A may have any diameter, including a diameter less than the diameter of the cable tube, that is sufficient to receive the cable 520 when the cable tube is not pre-assembled to the cable and assembled to the remainder of the cable after the cable is received in the housing 812.

The base 813 of the housing 812 may further include a base stop 806A extending from the inner surface 810 of the housing. Each base stop 806A may be secured or adhered to the inner surface 810 of the housing 812 by an adhesive, or may be integral with the housing such that the base stops are inseparable from the inner surface without breaking one or both of the base stops and the inner surface. As shown, each base stop 806A may be tapered on a side adjacent to the corresponding housing tube 816. Each base stop 806A may be sufficiently flexible so that any one of the cable tubes 529 can slide along the tapered portion of the base stop during insertion of the cable 520 and over the lip at the end of the base stop into the desired position of the cable tube relative to the adapter 550. Each base stop 806A may also be sufficiently rigid such that the base stop acts as a catch to prevent the inserted cable tube 529 from returning over the lip of the base stop, thereby preventing the portion of the cable 520 extending from the cable tube 529 to the connector 525 of the cable, which connector 525 may be attached or attachable to the adapter 550, from disengaging.

As further shown, the cover 814 may be similar to the cover 514, with the following notable exceptions: the cover 814 as shown in the illustrated example may include thinner sections 505 on opposite ends of the cover corresponding to the thicker sections 807 of the base 813. The cover 814 may further include a cover stop 806B extending from the thinner section 505 of the cover. Each cover stop 806B may be positioned such that when the cover 814 is closed onto the base 813, the edge of the cover stop furthest from the corresponding housing tube 816 is adjacent or abuts the face of the corresponding cable tube 529 of the cable 520. In this manner, each cover stop 806B may prevent disengagement of the portion of the cable 520 extending from the cable tube 529 to the connector 525 of the cable that may be attached or attachable to the adapter 550.

To seal the housing tube 816, as shown in fig. 10B, a seal ring 875 may be placed around the coupling tube 860, and the internal threads of the retention ring 828, similar to the retention ring 528 but having an inner diameter greater than the inner diameter of the retention ring 528, may be threaded onto the external threads of the housing tube 816. The coupling tube 860 may be substantially cylindrical. As shown in fig. 10A, the coupling tube 860 may fit into a corresponding recess of the housing tube 816. As further shown in fig. 10A, the retention ring 828 may be tapered along its inner wall such that as the retention ring is threaded onto the housing tube 816, the retention ring progressively compresses the sealing ring 875 further, thereby compressing the coupling tube 860. As shown, in some arrangements, the seal ring 875 can comprise a plurality of fins, which can be in the form of petal-shaped segments as shown, and which are circumferentially attached together. In an alternative arrangement, any of the housing tubes 816 may be replaced with one of the housing tube-retaining ring-coupling element combinations shown in fig. 5, 6, and 8.

Referring now to fig. 11A, cable tubes 529 may be attached to outer sheath 524 of cable 520, and similarly

cable tubes

429, 439 of

cables

420, 430 may be attached to their respective

outer sheaths

424, 434 by an adhesive, such as, but not limited to, an epoxy. In an alternative, the outer diameter of the outer sheath 524 of the cable 520 may be greater than the inner diameter of the cable tube 529 such that when the outer sheath is inserted through the cable tube, the cable tube remains fixed in position relative to the outer sheath until a minimum force is applied to move the cable tube. Such a minimum force may preferably be greater than an expected pullout force of an operator assembling the fiber optic termination system (e.g., system 400, system 500, system 600, system 700). In another alternative, as shown in fig. 11B, cable 520A may be at least substantially similar to cable 520, with the obvious exception that cable 520A includes a cable tube 529A. With the following obvious exceptions: the cable tube 529A may include a reinforced section to provide greater adhesion of the cable tube to the outer sheath 524, and to provide increased strength and durability over at least the section of the outer sheath extending through the passage formed by the housing tube as previously described, the cable tube 529A may be substantially similar to the cable tube 529. In yet another alternative, as shown in fig. 11C, cable 520B may be substantially similar to cable 520, with the obvious exception that cable 520B may include cable tube 529B. Cable tube 529B may be substantially similar to cable tube 529 with the obvious exception that cable tube 529B may include multiple sections that together form a complete cable tube. As shown in the illustrated example, the cable tube 529B can include a plurality of protrusions 579, the plurality of protrusions 579 extending into the outer sheath 524 of the cable 520B to fix the position of the cable tube relative to the outer sheath. In an alternative, the outer diameter of the outer sheath 524 of the cable 520 may be greater than the inner diameter of the cable tube 529B such that when the outer sheath is inserted through the cable tube, the cable tube remains fixed in position relative to the outer sheath until a minimum force is applied to move the cable tube.

In any of the arrangements previously described herein, cables 520A and 520B may be used in place of

cables

420 and 520. Since each of

cables

420, 430, 520A, 520B has a multi-part construction, the cable tubes of each of these cables may be placed and secured to their respective outer jackets after the cable without the cable tube is inserted into the respective housing.

Referring now to fig. 12A-12C, with the following notable exceptions: the housing 912 may include a slidable latch 980 that slides over respective flanges 984A, 984B of the base 913 and cover 914 of the housing, and the housing 912 may be substantially similar to the housing 812. The latch 980 may be used in place of other closure mechanisms, such as the combination of a closure flange and a closure hook as previously described. As shown in the illustrated example, the latch 980 may latch the lid 914 to the base 913 in the latched closed position, as shown in fig. 12B, and the latch 980 may allow the lid to open in the latched open position, as shown in fig. 12C, because the latch 980 does not overlap the flange 984 of the lid 914. In this example, the button 981 may extend away from the housing 812 to prevent the latch 980 from sliding, and in some arrangements, as known to those skilled in the art, the latch may be spring loaded such that depression of the button may allow the latch to slide to an open position. In the example shown, the latch 980 remains attached to the base 913 when the cover 914 is opened, however in some alternative arrangements, the latch may remain attached to the cover and separate from the base when the cover is opened.

As shown in fig. 13A-13H, other alternative structures for connecting the base and cover portions together may be used, such as those previously described herein. Such configurations include the use of a dual slidable latch, similar to the slidable latch 980 of the housing 912A shown in fig. 13A; a hook latch 1080 used in conjunction with a hinge 1181 as shown in fig. 13B; a double hook type latch with a double seal 1185, which may be an O-ring seal, as shown in fig. 13C and 13D; a single hook type latch for use with a hinge and a double seal as shown in fig. 13E and 13F, which further illustrate that such a latch can be attached to either a base or a lid and hooked around the other of the base or lid; a dual slide latch with dual seal as shown in fig. 13G, and a single slidable latch used in conjunction with a hinge and dual seal as shown in fig. 13H. A housing having any of these configurations may be used in place of a housing similar to housing 412, housing 512, housing 712, and housing 812.

Referring now to fig. 14, a terminal unit assembly 1200, which may be watertight in a closed condition, may be an optical equipment unit, particularly for fiber optic networks used in the telecommunications industry. The assembly 1200 may be installed by placing fasteners through the mounting holes 1202A, 1202B onto a building or other stable structure, such as a utility pole. As shown, the assembly 1200 includes a housing 1212, a supply side cable 1220, a plurality of demand side cables 1230, a plurality of adapters 1250, a stabilizer 1286 attached to the inner surface 1210 of the housing 1212, a plurality of routing protrusions 1287, which as shown may be of variable size as desired, a supply side coupling assembly 1255, a plurality of demand side coupling assemblies 1270 (shown in fig. 17A-17D), a supply side cable clamp 1288, a plurality of demand side cable clamps 1289. Any one or any combination of such components of the assembly 1200 may be provided separately as a kit.

As shown, the supply-side cable 1220 can include a plurality of supply-side fibers 1222 and a single supply-side jacket 1224 surrounding a majority of the length of the supply-side fibers, wherein the supply-side connector 1225 defines a plurality of ends of the supply-side cable that are insertable into the first end of a respective adapter 1250. Each demand-side cable 1230 can include a demand-side optical fiber 1232 and a demand-side jacket 1234 surrounding a majority of the length of the demand-side optical fiber, where the demand-side connector 1235 defines an end of the demand-side cable insertable into a second end opposite the first end of a respective one of the adapters 1250.

As shown in fig. 14, the housing 1212 can include a first compartment 1210A separated from a second compartment 1210B by a wall 1211. Adapters 1250 may be inserted along and extend from both sides of the wall 1211. The main housing seal 1281 may be inserted into the groove along a mating surface along the outer edge 1293 of the base 1213 of the housing 1212, such that upon closing a cover corresponding to the base, such as a cover similar to that shown in fig. 15A and 15B, described further herein, a water-tight seal may be formed between the main housing seal and the cover.

As further shown, the supply-side cable 1220 can extend through a supply-side coupling assembly 1255 that is inserted into a port in the housing 1212, which can be in the form of a cylindrical bore through a housing tube of the housing (similar to the housing tube 816) and into the first compartment 1210A of the housing 1212. The supply-side coupling assembly 1255 may be substantially in the form of a combination of a coupling tube 860, a seal ring 875, and a retaining ring 828.

The plurality of supply-side optical fibers 1222 may be exposed and exposed from the supply-side jacket 1224 to provide their separation from each other and their easy bending within the first compartment 1210A, and may be connected to respective adapters 1250 via respective supply-side connectors 1225 of the supply-side cables. As shown in the illustrated example, the supply-side clamp 1288 can be connected to the housing 1212, for example, by fasteners or another connection known to those skilled in the art. The supply-side cable 1220 can extend through the supply-side clamp 1288 such that the supply-side clamp can be actuated to compress a portion of the supply-side cable to fix the position of the clamped portion of the supply-side cable relative to the fixed supply-side clamp. In this manner, the position of the exposed portion of the supply-side optical fiber 1222 may remain fixed or substantially fixed in position relative to the first compartment 1210A of the housing 1212 when connected to the corresponding adapter 1250.

Still referring to fig. 14, a plurality of demand side cables 1230 may extend through respective ports in the housing 1212, which may be in the form of cylindrical holes through the housing, to the second compartment 1210B of the housing 1212. The demand side optical fibers 1232 of each demand side cable 1230 can be covered by the demand side jacket 1234 and exposed for flexibility of the demand side optical fibers 1232 within the second compartment 1210B, and can be connected to a respective adapter 1250 via a respective demand side connector 1225 of each demand side cable. As shown in the illustrated example, each demand side clamp 1289 may be connected to the housing 1212, for example, by a fastener or another connection known to those skilled in the art. The demand side cable 1230 can extend through a respective demand side clamp 1289 such that each demand side clamp can be actuated to compress a portion of the demand side cable to fix the position of each clamped portion of the demand side cable relative to the respective fixed demand side clamp. In this manner, the position of the exposed portion of the demand side optical fiber 1232 may remain fixed or substantially fixed in position relative to the second compartment 1210B of the housing 1212 when connected to the corresponding adapter 1250.

In the example shown, since the second compartment 1210B is larger than the first compartment 1210A, the exposed portion of the demand-side optical fibers 1232 may be longer than the exposed portion of the supply-side optical fibers 1222. To provide additional support and stability to the exposed portion of the demand side optical fiber 1232, the exposed portion of the demand side optical fiber can be bent around the bent routing protrusion 1287 and then inserted through the corresponding slot 1286A of the stabilizer 1286 such that the optical fiber rests on the stabilizer from which the optical fiber can be connected to the corresponding adapter 1250. In some arrangements, each demand-side optical fiber 1232 can be inserted through a corresponding hole in the stabilizer in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the demand-side optical fiber, which also causes the demand-side optical fiber to rest on the stabilizer. Utilizing routing projections 1287 and stabilizers 1286 may substantially reduce slack in the exposed portions of the demand side optical fibers 1232, particularly in the sections of the demand side optical fibers 1232 immediately adjacent to the respective demand side connectors 1225, to avoid such slack from affecting the connection of the optical fibers with their respective adapters 1250. The use of routing projections 1287 and stabilizers 1286 may further separate the optical fibers from the securement of the demand side cable 1230 by clamps 1289 that compress the jacket 1234 of the cable to compensate for potential movement of the optical fibers relative to their respective jackets due to changes in temperature, humidity, or other environmental conditions. In some arrangements, the spool can be placed between any respective clamp 1289 and routing projection 1287 so that slack in the respective demand-side optical fiber 1232 can be wound on the spool as desired.

As in the example shown and in an alternative arrangement of the

housings

1312, 1412, such as that shown using fig. 15A and 15B, the ports, e.g., ports 1391 and 1491, through which the plurality of demand side cables 1230 extend may be arranged in multiple rows, such that a series of the plurality of demand side cables 1230 may extend in parallel in a first row and another series of the plurality of demand side cables may extend in parallel in another row above or below the first row. In alternative arrangements, such ports may be staggered or in any other pattern, or even randomly positioned, as required by the demand side cable to be used. As shown in the illustrated example, the height above the inner surface 1210 within the compartment 1210B at which each demand-side cable 1230 rests in the slot or hole 1286A of the stabilizer 1286 may be flush with the connection made by each respective connector 1235 with the adapter 1250.

With further reference to fig. 15A, the terminal unit assembly 1300, which may be substantially similar to the terminal unit assembly 1200, may include a housing 1312 having a first compartment cover 1314A attached to a second compartment cover 1314B at a common hinge 1315 attached to the top of a wall 1311 of the housing. As shown, the first compartment cover 1314A may be closed to cover the first compartment 1310A, and the second compartment cover 1314B may be closed to cover the second compartment 1310B of the housing 1312. With further reference to fig. 15B, the terminal unit assembly 1400, which may also be substantially similar to the terminal unit assembly 1200, may include a housing 1412, the housing 1412 having a first compartment cover 1414A attached at a hinge 1415A, the hinge 1415A attached to the top of the housing's wall 1411, and the housing 1412 having a second compartment cover 1414B attached at a hinge 1415B, the hinge 1415B attached to an outer edge 1413A of the base 1413 of the housing 1412. As shown, the first compartment cover 1414A can be closed to cover the first compartment defined by one side of the base 1413, and the second compartment cover 1414B can be closed to cover the second compartment 1410B of the housing 1412.

16A-16D, a demand side coupling assembly 1270 for fixing the position of the demand side cable 1230 relative to the housing 1212 may include a coupling tube 1271 and a plug 1272. In this example, the coupling tube 1271 includes opposing ends separated by a thickness, where one end (in this example, not both ends as shown in fig. 16B) may be chamfered around the circumference of the coupling tube. As shown in the illustrated example, the plug 1272 may include external threads along a portion of the plug, an internal chamfer 1273 for compressing one end of the coupling tube 1271, and tabs 1274 for providing leverage to screw the plug into the opposing threads.

The housing 1212 may include port holes 1292, wherein, as shown, each port hole may include internal threads such that external threads of the plug 1272 may be screwed into a respective port hole and may include a chamfer 1245 for compressing an end of a respective coupling tube 1271, which causes the port holes to narrow in a direction toward the housing interior. Both the coupling tube 1271 and the plug 1272 may be flexible to provide compression thereof and strain relief for any demand side cable 1230 inserted into the coupling tube and plug combination. In some arrangements, the coupling tube 1271 and the plug 1272 may be made of a plastic material, and in some other arrangements, the plug 1272 may be made of a metal material. In the illustrated construction, the plug 1272 may be stiffer than the coupling tube. In this manner, when the demand side coupling assembly 1270 is assembled as shown, one or both of the inner chamfers 1273 of the plug 1272 may press against a respective end of the coupling tube 1271 and the chamfer 1245 of the housing 1212 may press against a respective end of the coupling tube when the plug 1272 is screwed into the respective port hole 1292 such that the position of the portion of each demand side cable 1230 in contact with the coupling tube is fixed relative to the coupling tube at a first position of the plug relative to the coupling tube and each demand side cable is movable relative to the coupling tube when the plug is in a second position relative to the coupling tube.

When the plug 1272 is fully threaded with the housing 1212, a water-tight seal may be formed at the interface of the coupling tube 1271 and the housing 1212. As shown, for ease of use, one or both of the coupling tube 1271 and the plug 1272 may be cut to allow any one of the plurality of demand side cables 1230 to be inserted in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by any such demand side cable inserted.

Referring now to fig. 17A-17C, terminal unit assembly 1500 may be substantially similar to terminal unit assembly 1200 with the following notable exceptions: the combination of the housing 1212 and the plurality of demand side cable clamps 1289 may be replaced with a combination of the housing 1512 and a cable port insertion assembly 1590, which may act as a snap. In the example shown, the insert assembly 1590 includes an insert 1591, an insert plate portion 1595 attached to the insert, and a plurality of demand side cable clamps 1589 that may be attached to opposite sides of the insert plate portion. The insert 1591, which may be in the form of a grommet (such as, but not limited to, a rubber grommet), may include a plurality of port holes 1592 through which the demand side cable 1230 may be inserted. The outer edge 1593 of the insert 1591 may include ribs configured to couple with the housing 1512 to provide a water-tight seal at the interface between the insert and the housing. As best shown in fig. 17B, the port aperture 1592 may include internal ribs 1594 along its surface, which internal ribs 1594 may provide frictional contact with the inserted cable and may form a water-tight seal with the inserted cable.

The insert plate portion 1595 may be made of a rigid material, such as metal, such as steel, for example, sufficient to attach the cable clamp 1589. As shown in fig. 15C, the plate portion 1595 can include attachment apertures 1596, and the attachment apertures 1596 can be configured to receive tabs 1584 of a cable clamp 1589 as shown, or to receive fasteners for attaching a cable clamp in alternative arrangements. As further shown in fig. 15C, the demand side cable clamp 1589 and similar supply side cable clamps 1288 and multiple demand side cable clamps 1289 may include a clamp housing 1597 that includes, at its ends, insertable anchors 1584, hold-down plates 1598 or similar structures for pressing against an inserted cable (e.g., cable 420, cable 430, cable 520, cable 1220, cable 1230), and adjustable actuators 1599 (e.g., pistons or screws in the example shown). In the depressed position, the actuator 1599 can depress the footplate 1598, which in turn depresses the footplate 1598 downwardly against the inserted portion of the cable 1230 to secure the portion of the cable relative to the cable clamp 1589 and, thus, relative to the cable port insertion assembly 1590. In the open position, the pressure plate portion 1589 may move somewhat freely to allow insertion or removal of the cable 1230 from the cable clamp 1589.

In this example, the housing 1512 does not include a port hole for receiving a demand side cable 1230, but rather includes a slot 1503 configured to receive an insert assembly 1590, and further includes adjacent cutouts 1504 shaped and sized to provide access to the insert assembly's port hole 1592 when the insert assembly is received in the slot. The housing 1512 also includes a pair of sockets 1501, the sockets 1501 being configured to receive fasteners (not shown) that extend through corresponding mounting holes 1597 of the plate portion 1595 of the insert assembly 1590 to attach the insert assembly to the housing when the insert assembly is received in the slot 1503 of the housing.

With further reference to fig. 17B, in some arrangements, internal ribs such as the internal ribs 1594 within the port aperture 1592 of the insert 1591 may provide sufficient frictional contact such that a demand side cable clamp 1589 may not be required to prevent cables such as the

cables

420, 520 from disengaging. In such an arrangement, the cable may have a sufficient diameter relative to the inner rib such that the portion of the cable that interfaces with the inner rib remains in a fixed position relative to the inner rib as the cable is inserted through the inner rib until a minimum force is applied to move the cable. Such minimum force may preferably be greater than the expected pull-out force of an operator assembling a fiber optic termination system including the terminal unit assembly 1500 or the like.

Referring now to fig. 18, in another example of a terminal unit assembly, the terminal unit assembly 1600 generally includes a housing 1612, a patch panel assembly 1611, a plurality of supply-side fiber optic cables 1620, a plurality of demand-side fiber optic cables 1630, a supply-side insert 1655, and a demand-side insert assembly 1690. Such an assembly may be used, for example, as an OSP terminal for a telecommunications network.

As shown, the housing 1612 includes a base 1613 and a cover 1614 attached to the base. As in this example, the base 1613 may be attached to the cover 1614 by a hinge 1615 such that the base may rotate relative to the cover. Base 1613 of housing 1612 includes an outer edge 1693 and an inner surface 1610 defined by the outer edge. In the example shown, the base 1613 includes a first slot 1603 configured to receive a demand side insert assembly 1690, and the base 1613 further includes an adjacent cutout 1604 shaped and sized to provide access to an insertion aperture defined by the demand side insert assembly when the insert assembly is received in the first slot. The first slot 1603 is substantially the same as the slot 1503 of the housing 1512 of the terminal unit assembly 1500. As further shown, base 1613 includes a second slot 1602, second slot 1602 being configured to receive supply-side insert assembly 1655 when the supply-side insert assembly is received in the second slot.

In arrangements where only some of the panel bases of the terminal unit assemblies are attached to any particular panel base, the patch panel assembly 1611 includes one or more panel bases (not shown) and the

stacked panels

1651 and 1653 are attached to the one or more panel bases. In some arrangements, each panel base may be in the form of a simple fixture or mounting bracket. As in this example, each panel base of the patch panel assembly 1611 may be mounted to an inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612. Each of the stacked panels 1651-1653 can include a bracket (not shown) mounted to the panel base or one of the panel bases and a set of adapters 1650 supported by the bracket, such as the example shown in U.S. patent No.8,939,792B2 to Takeuchi et al ("the' 792 patent"), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Adapters 1650 in each set of adapters may slide or rotate relative to their respective rack, e.g., in a horizontal direction, such that ports defined by the adapters may move toward or away from adjacent adapters in the same rack, as in the example of the' 792 patent, in some arrangements, may slide or rotate in a lateral direction, e.g., in a vertical direction, such that ports defined by the adapters may move toward or away from adjacent adapters in adjacent racks. As shown in the illustrated example, each adapter 1650 can include an opposing port configured to receive an end of an optical connector such that optical communication can be made between the opposing connectors.

When the stacked panels 1651-1653 comprise brackets as in the illustrated example, the brackets of each stacked panel can be attached to the panel base by a respective hinge or other flexible mechanism such that the individual stacked panels can rotate relative to the inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612, and preferably toward and away from the inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612, rather than rotating in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612. In this manner, each of the stacked panels 1651-1653 can be entirely separated from the other stacked panels to provide easier access to the panels. In some arrangements, multiple hinges may attach the stacked panels to the panel base. In some such arrangements, each such hinge may be part of a universal joint known to those skilled in the art such that the stacked panels may move in a direction toward and away from the inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612 and in a direction substantially parallel to the inner surface. In some such arrangements, the universal joint may provide resistance so that the stacked panels remain in place after movement. In yet another arrangement, ball joints may be used in place of universal joints to provide very similar articulation and resistance to movement to maintain the position of the stacked panels.

In some alternative arrangements, the stacked panels 1651-1653 may be individually attached directly to the inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612, without being attached to individual panel bases. In some other alternative arrangements, the adapter may be attached directly to the panel base or directly to the inner surface of the housing. In any of these alternative arrangements, the stacked panels or individual adapters may be hingeable such that the stacked panels or individual adapters may move toward and away from adjacent adapters in both a lateral direction and a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the inner surface 1610 of the housing 1612.

Still referring to fig. 18, supply side fiber optic cable 1620 may be inserted into any one of adapters 1650, and typically into a port of the adapter that is remote (i.e., further away) from the entry location of the supply side fiber optic cable into housing 1612. In some arrangements, supply side fiber optic cables 1620 can be detached from adapters 1650 into which any such cable is inserted by a release mechanism known to those skilled in the art, such as, but not limited to, any one or any combination of a connector release button, a latch lever or flange of a connector of the cable, and a boss or protrusion that provides pull-out resistance to be overcome by applying sufficient force, while in other arrangements, the supply side fiber optic cables can be permanently inserted into the respective adapters 1650 such that the adapters themselves must be detached to remove the supply side fiber optic cables. The portability of stacked panels 1651-1653 and of individual adapters 1650 facilitates the removal and insertion of supply side fiber optic cables 1620. In particular, rotation of stacked panels 1651-1653 toward the inner surface 1610 of housing 1612 can move obstacles reaching a particular adapter 1650 to places inaccessible to a user, such as a telecommunications technician, and orient the longitudinal axis of the adapter port away from the location where supply-side fiber optic cables 1620 enter the inlet of housing 1612 parallel to the inner surface to allow insertion and removal of connectors of supply-side fiber optic cables 1620 from the port of the adapter away from the location where supply-side fiber optic cables enter the inlet of housing 1612.

Demand side fiber optic cable 1630 may also be plugged into either adapter 1650. The demand side fiber optic cables 1630 are typically inserted into the ports of the adapters that are closer to (i.e., closer to) the location of the entrance of the demand side fiber optic cables into housing 1612 and are typically removed from their respective adapters in the same manner as described previously with respect to the removal of supply side fiber optic cables 1620 from any adapter 1650 into which supply side fiber optic cables 1620 may be inserted. Rotation of stacked panels 1651-1653 away from inner surface 1610 of housing 1612 allows for easier access to ports of adapter 1650 on the side of the location closer to the entrance of the demand side fiber optic cable. Stop limits (not shown), such as by using flanges abutting one or more of the

stacked panels

1651 and 1653, may be used to prevent rotation of the stacked panels beyond a range of movement to prevent bending stresses from being induced in supply-side fiber optic cable 1620 or demand-side fiber optic cable 1630 when supply-side fiber optic cable 1620 or demand-side fiber optic cable 1630 is received in adapter 1650.

As further shown in fig. 18, the supply side insert 1655 may be inserted into the second slot 1602 of the housing 1612. As shown, the insert 1655 may include opposing tabs 1656 such that the insert may be inserted into the housing 1612 in only one orientation. In the example shown, the sleeve 1625 surrounds the supply-side fiber optic cable 1620 and thus serves as an outer jacket for the supply-side fiber optic cable. The sleeve 1625 may preferably be rigid to protect the cable 1620. The sleeve 1625 extends through an aperture defined by the supply side insert 1655. In some arrangements, the insert 1655 may be molded around the sleeve 1625, or the sleeve may pass through a hole defined by the insert and a sealant such as caulk, or a seal such as a rubber seal may be added around the junction of the sleeve and the insert to prevent or substantially inhibit water or other liquids from invading the housing 1612.

Still referring to fig. 18, the demand side insert assembly 1690 includes a plurality of rigid plate portions and a stacked compressible insert layer that may be inserted into the first slot 1603 of the housing 1612. With further reference to fig. 19A-19C, a plurality of demand side fiber optic cables 1630 may be inserted into respective apertures defined by an interposer (e.g., interposer 1692B in the example of fig. 19B) or by a pair of interposers (e.g., interposers 1692C in the example of fig. 19C). Fasteners 1699A-1699C, which may be screws, may be inserted through holes extending through the plate portion and insert layer of insert assembly 1690 and attached to housing 1612 to retain the insert assembly in first slot 1603 and compress the demand side fiber optic cable 1630. In this manner, insert assembly 1690 may act as a snap on each of the demand side fiber optic cables 1630.

Referring again to fig. 19A, the insert assembly 1690 includes an outer plate portion 1691, an insert layer 1692A attached to the outer plate portion 1691 on an inner side of the outer plate portion, two additional sets of insert layers 1692A attached to opposite sides of the respective first and second central plates 1693A, 1693B, and another insert layer 1692A attached to the housing 1612 within the first slot 1603. As shown in the illustrated example, the insert layer 1692A can have a groove 1695A with a cross-section in the form of a sawtooth pattern and spaced apart holes 1696A-1696C for receiving respective fasteners 1699A-1699C. Any one or any combination of plate portion 1691, plate portion 1693 and insert layer 1692A may preferably be made of a hard material such as a hard plastic or metal. The grooves 1695a of opposing insert layers 1692A may define insert apertures having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the demand side fiber optic cable 1630. In this manner, the groove 1695A may define an insertion aperture for receiving and compressing the demand side fiber optic cables 1630 to mechanically clamp the fiber optic cables. As further shown in this example, alignment bosses 1697 can extend from central plate portion 1693A, central plate portion 1693B through which fasteners 1699A-1699C extend, and mounting bosses 1698 to which fasteners are mounted, such as by threads, can extend from housing 1612. An insert layer 1692B or a set of opposing insert layers 1692C can be placed on each of the first and second central plate portions 1693A, 1693B and can be placed on the housing 1612 in the first slot 1603 at a location between the insert layer 1692A and the exposed opening of the first slot through which the demand side fiber optic cable 1630 enters the housing 1612.

Referring to fig. 19C, the insert layer 1692C is similar in shape to the insert layer 1692A, but the insert layer 1692C includes a groove 1695C having a cross-section in the form of an arc. The grooves 1695C of the opposing insert layers 1692C define insert holes for receiving and compressing the demand side fiber optic cable 1630 to form a seal around the demand side fiber optic cable, which may be a water-tight seal. In some arrangements, the insert layer 1692C can be sufficiently compressible such that the insert apertures defined by the opposing grooves 1695C can have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the demand side fiber optic cable 1630 received by the grooves. In this manner, a seal, which may be a water-tight seal, may be formed around the fiber optic cables 1630 received in the insert assemblies 1690, and such fiber optic cables may be mechanically clamped to prevent or substantially prevent the fiber optic cables from being pulled out of the housing 1612.

The diameter of insertion holes 1695b of insertion layer 1692B, which are similar to the insertion holes defined by opposing insertion layers 1695C, can be less than the diameter of demand side fiber optic cable 1630. In such an arrangement, as shown in fig. 19B, a slot 1695' may extend from the insertion holes 1695B to allow the demand side fiber optic cable 1630 to be inserted into the insertion holes in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis defined by each insertion hole. One insert layer 1692B can be used in combination with the outer panel portion 1691 and the central panel portion 1693 in place of each set of opposing insert layers 1692C.

Insert layers 1692B, 1692C may be made of a compressible material that may act as a seal when compressed, such as, but not limited to, silicone, soft plastic (such as, but not limited to, soft polyurethane or rubber). In some arrangements, insert layers 1692B, 1692C can be molded on any one or any combination of outer panel portion 1691, central panel portion 1693, and housing 1612.

Referring to fig. 20 and 21, the fasteners 1699A-1699C may be of different sizes such that they correspond to particular holes 1696-1696C. In examples where there are three sets of holes defined by the demand side insert assembly 1690, the outer panel portion 1691 and the central panel portion 1693A can include wider portions along the holes 1696A such that only the head of the shortest fastener 1699A can contact and compress the central panel portion 1693B in those holes when screwed into the corresponding mounting boss 1698. Similarly, only the outer plate portion 1691 can include a wider portion along the hole 1696B so that only the head of the medium-sized fastener 1699B can contact and compress both central plate portions 1693A, 1693B when screwed into the respective mounting bosses 1698. Plate portion 1691, plate portion 1693A and plate portion 1693 may not include a wider portion along hole 1696C so that only the head of the longest fastener 1699C may contact and compress each of outer plate portion 1691 and center plate portions 1693A, 1693B. The use of these different sized fasteners allows some layers to be removed without having to remove all layers in order to add or remove any of the demand side fiber optic cables 1630. For example, removing fastener 1699B and fastener 1699C will allow removal of all layers except central plate portion 1693B and the stacked intervening layers between central plate portion 1693B and housing 1612.

Referring now to fig. 22A, in another example, the terminal unit assembly 2400 generally includes a housing base 2413 and a housing cover 2414 configured to be placed on the housing base, a supply side cable 2420 described further below with reference to fig. 54D, and a demand side insertion assembly 2490. As shown, the housing base 2413 generally includes a cutout 2404 and a base outer edge 2493A, the cutout 2404 being substantially identical in form to the cutout 1604 and configured for receiving the demand-side insert assembly 2490, the base outer edge 2493A having a thinner profile than an upper portion of the base outer edge 2413 from which it extends. The housing cover 2414 generally includes a body section 2416, an insert compression section 2418, and a cover outer edge 2493B, the insert compression section 2418 extending from a portion of the body section corresponding to the location of the demand side insert assembly 2490 when the insert assembly is received in the cutout 2404 and the housing cover is placed on the housing base 2413, the cover outer edge 2493B corresponding to and defining a passage for receiving the base outer edge 2493A when the housing cover is placed on the housing base.

As shown in fig. 22A and 22B, the demand-side interposer assembly 2490 includes a plurality of interposer layers 2492 and a plurality of central panel portions 2493, each interposer layer can be stacked on a plurality of central panel portions 2493 as shown. The interposer layer 2492 has substantially the same form as the interposer layer 1692B shown in fig. 19B and operates in the same manner as the interposer layer 1692B shown in fig. 19B. The center plate portion 2493 includes a plurality of flanges 2494, the plurality of flanges 2494 defining a slot through which the demand-side fiber optic cable 1630 can be received and separated from one another. The flange 2494 may be any one or any combination of curved, tapered, and aligned at various angles with respect to one another as shown to direct the demand side fiber optic cables 1630 to a patch panel assembly, such as, but not limited to, the patch panel assembly 2511 shown in fig. 23.

When the housing cover 2414 is placed over the housing base 2413 to close the housing formed by the combination of the housing cover and the housing base, the insertion compression section 2418 may compress the demand-side insertion assembly 2490 such that portions of the demand-side fiber optic cable 1630 are compressed within the holes of the multiple insertion layers 2492 of the insertion assembly 2490 through which the cables are inserted and such that the compressed portions of the cables are held in place relative to the insertion assembly. In this manner, when the housing defined by housing cover 2414 and housing base 2413 is closed such that cover outer edge 2493B overlaps base outer edge 2493A and insert assembly 2490 is compressed by insertion into compression section 2418, the interior of the housing defined by the combination of housing base 2413 and housing cover 2414 may form a seal that may be a watertight seal at the interface between: the interface between the housing base and the housing cover, the interface between the housing base and the insert assembly inserted into the housing base, the interface between the housing cover and the insert assembly, and the interface between the insert assembly and the portion of the demand side fiber optic cable 1630 compressed by the insert assembly.

The housing base 2413 may be rotatably attached to the housing cover 2414 as shown in the examples further described herein with respect to fig. 52 and 53, or the housing base and the housing cover may be fastened together by fasteners such as screws as shown in the examples shown in fig. 24D and 51. In some alternative arrangements, the configuration of the base outer edge 2493A and the cover outer edge 2493B may be reversed such that the cover outer edge may be received within the passage defined by the base outer edge.

Referring now to fig. 23, the terminal unit assembly 2500 is substantially identical to the terminal unit assembly 2400, with the following notable exceptions: terminal unit assembly 2500 includes housing base 2513 and housing cover 2514 (shown in fig. 24D) in place of housing base 2413 and housing cover 2414, respectively, and includes power supply side cable 2520 in place of power supply side cable 2420. As described above, the terminal unit assembly 2500 includes the terminal block assembly 2511, and the terminal block assembly 2511 is the same or substantially the same as the terminal block assembly 1611 shown in fig. 18. As with the patch panel assembly 1611, the patch panel assembly 2511 includes a plurality of stacked panels 2551 and 2553. As shown in the illustrated example, terminal block assembly 2511 may be attached to housing base 2513, for example, by fasteners or by snap-fit. The stacked panels 2551 and 2553, or at least the adapters 2550 of each stacked panel, can be staggered such that the adapters of the stacked panel 2553 are closer to the demand side insert assembly 2490 than the adapters of the stacked panel 2551 and the stacked panel 2552, and the adapters of the stacked panel 2552 are closer to the insert assembly than the adapters of the stacked panel 2551. In some alternative arrangements, a plurality of stacked panels 2551 and 2553 may be stacked and attached to one another in any one of the configurations or other arrangements shown in fig. 28-37C.

Each of the stacked panels 2551-2253 includes a panel base 2557, and the adapter 2550 is pivotally attached to the panel base 2557 by a hinge (e.g., the hinge in fig. 28 that attaches the panel base to the adapter). In this manner, as further shown in fig. 23, each adapter 2550 can be pivoted away from an adjacent adapter to isolate an adapter for easier accessibility, to attach one of the demand side fiber optic cables 1630 to the isolated adapter, or to separate the isolated adapter from any such fiber optic cable.

In the example shown, supply-side cable 2520 is abutted against supply-side insert 2555 and received into supply-side insert 2555, and then into the interior of housing base 2513, supply-side insert 2555 being constructed and operated in substantially the same manner as supply-side insert 1655. Supply side cable 2520 includes a relatively thick outer cover 2521, a relatively thin inner cover 2522, and an even thinner intermediate cover 2523 connected to and extending between the outer and inner covers. The outer cover 2521 may be relatively rigid to prevent bending of the one or more optical fibers extending through the outer cover. In some arrangements, the intermediate cap 2523 and the inner cap 2522 may be relatively rigid. One or more optical fibers extending through outer cap 2521 may extend through intermediate cap 2523 and may be in optical communication with a plurality of optical fibers 2524 that may extend from inner cap 2522. In some arrangements, there may be twenty-four (24) or forty-eight (48) optical fibers 2524. A connector on the end of a plurality of optical fibers 2524 may then be inserted into the end of adapter 2550 opposite the end of the adapter into which demand side fiber optic cable 1630 may be inserted, so that supply side optical fibers 2524 may be in optical communication with corresponding optical fibers within the demand side fiber optic cable.

Referring now to fig. 24A-24D, in another example, the terminal unit assembly 2600 is substantially identical to the terminal unit assembly 2500, with the following notable exceptions: the supply-side cable 2520 is replaced by a combination of a supply-side cable 2620 that can be plugged in through a supply-side plug-in 2555 and a plurality of extension cables 2625, in the example shown, a total of four multi-fiber push on (MPO) cables, each cable including a portion of the supply-side fibers 2624 extending from the inner cover 2622. The supply-side cable 2620 is substantially in the form of the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B, the supply-side cable 4620C shown in fig. 54D, and further described herein, may be a fiber optic cable with the cap 4638 removed. Each of the plurality of extension cables 2625 can be plugged into a respective port of the internal adapter 4624 (see fig. 54D) such that the optical fibers within the extension cables can be in optical communication with a respective internal sub-cable 4630 (see fig. 54D) within the outer cover 2621 of the supply-side cable 2620. The supply-side optical fibers 2624 may be inserted into the end of the adapter 2550 opposite the end of the adapter into which the demand-side fiber optic cable 1630 may be inserted such that the supply-side optical fibers 2624 may be in optical communication with corresponding optical fibers within the demand-side fiber optic cable.

As shown in fig. 23, 24A, and 24D, housing cover 2514 may be secured to housing base 2513 by one or more fasteners 2516 extending through the housing cover and the housing base. As shown, the housing cover 2514 may include a recess so that the entire fastener 2516 may be located below the top surface of the housing cover. Opposing side wings 2517 may be hingedly attached to the sides of housing base 2513, and end wings 2518 may be hingedly attached to the ends of the housing base. As shown, the side wings 2517 and end wings 2518 may each include a flange that may rest on a top surface of the housing cover 2514 to help close and secure the housing cover to the housing base 2513. As shown, the side wings 2517 and end wings 2518 may be received in corresponding grooves of the housing cover 2514.

Referring now to fig. 25, terminal unit assembly 2600, as well as all other terminal unit assemblies described herein, can be secured to a variety of stabilizing structures, including street light pole assembly 2601. In this manner, the terminal unit assemblies may be more easily accessed by a technician responsible for installing and maintaining the terminal unit assemblies and providing a shorter distribution path for customers of optical signals transmitted from the terminal unit assemblies. As shown, the terminal unit assembly 2600 may be attached to a pole 2602 such that the terminal unit assembly may be exposed to the naked eye, or may be attached to a base unit 2603 of a light pole assembly 2601 such that the terminal unit assembly may be concealed by the base unit. In some arrangements, the terminal unit assembly 2600 can be in electrical communication with a receiver or transceiver of a radio/antenna 2604 extending from the light bar assembly 2601 so that the terminal unit assembly 2600 can receive instructions from a remote location or remotely transmit status notifications of the terminal unit assembly as needed.

As shown in fig. 26, in another alternative arrangement, terminal unit assembly 2700 may be substantially identical to terminal unit assembly 1600, with the following notable exceptions: housing cover 2714 and housing base 2713 hinged to the housing cover additionally include apertures 2716 for receiving fasteners for securing the housing cover to the housing base when the housing cover is closed, and housing base 2713 may additionally include a removable insert assembly cover 2705, which insert assembly cover 2705 may be attached to the housing base to cover a slot (e.g., slot 1603) that receives a demand side insert assembly (e.g., insert assembly 1690).

As shown in fig. 27, in an alternative arrangement, patch panel assembly 2811 may replace other patch panel assemblies described herein, such as patch panel assembly 1611, patch panel assembly 2511. Patch panel assembly 2811 is substantially similar to patch panel assembly 1611, patch panel assembly 2511, except that assembly 2811 includes an adapter 2850 in place of corresponding adapter 1650 and adapter 2550. Each adapter 2850 includes two ports so that each adapter 2850 can receive two demand side fiber cables 2830, unlike

adapters

1650 and 2550 which receive only one demand side fiber cable 1630.

Referring now to fig. 28-38C, a patch panel assembly for use with any of the terminal unit assemblies described herein can include various features that allow relative movement of stacked panels of the patch panel assembly to provide clearance for easier access to the adapters of each stacked panel and their respective ports. As shown in fig. 28, stacked panels of the patch panel assembly 2911 may be fixed in position relative to each other. As shown in fig. 29A and 29B, each stacked panel of the patch panel assembly 3011 can slide relative to their adjacent panels. As best shown in fig. 29B, the bottom of the opposing side wall of panel base 3057A can slide within the corresponding groove 3058A of panel base 3057B, and the bottom of the opposing side wall of panel base 3057B can slide within the corresponding groove 3058B of panel base 3057C. As shown in fig. 30, each stacked panel of the patch panel assembly 3111 can be rotated about a respective hinge 3158 corresponding to each stacked panel. As shown in this example, each hinge 3158 is positioned along a side edge of the respective stacked panel such that the stacked panel rotates upward and away from the stacked panel below, and generally to the side of the patch panel assembly, and correspondingly to the side of the terminal unit assembly into which the patch panel assembly may be inserted. In a similar example, as shown in fig. 31, each stacked panel of patch panel assembly 3211 can rotate about a respective hinge 3258 corresponding to each stacked panel. As shown in this example, each hinge 3258 is positioned along a rear corner of the corresponding stacked panel such that the stacked panel rotates upward and away from the stacked panel below and generally toward the respective hinge. As shown in fig. 32, each stacked panel of the patch panel assembly 3311 may rotate about a respective hinge 3358 corresponding to each stacked panel. As shown in this example, each hinge 3358 is located at a rear corner of the respective stacked panel such that the stacked panels rotate within a plane defined by the stacked panels and to one side of the patch panel assembly and, correspondingly, to a side of the terminal unit assembly into which the patch panel assembly may be inserted. As shown, each hinge 3358 may be attached to the same post and thus may rotate about the same axis.

As shown in fig. 33A, each stacked panel of the junction block assembly 3411 may be attached to a coil spring 3458 or other operable similar resilient member. As shown in the illustrated example, the coil springs 3458 may be stretched in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the springs to allow each stacked panel to be spaced apart from its adjacent stacked panel while holding the stacked panels of the patch panel assembly 3411 together when the springs are at rest. As shown in fig. 33B, a coil spring 3458 or an operatively similar resilient member may be stretched in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the spring, e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spring, to allow each stacked panel to interleave with respect to its adjacent stacked panel while again holding the stacked panels of the patch panel assembly 3411 together when the spring is at rest. As shown in fig. 34, in an alternative arrangement, the rear of the stacked panel 3551 and the stacked panel 3552 extend around the panel post 3559 such that the stacked panel 3551 and the stacked panel 3552 can slide along the shaft and away from the stacked panel 3553. Panel posts 3559 extend through coil springs 3558 located between stacked panel 3552 and stacked panel 3553.

As shown in fig. 35A, the patch panel assembly may include a stack of panels 3652 slidably attached to panel posts 3659. As shown in the illustrated example, the stacked panels 3652 can include a resilient portion 3657 and an adapter portion 3658, the adapter portion 3658 extending from the resilient portion and the adapter 2550 hingedly attached to the adapter portion 3658. The resilient portion 3657 may be in the form of one or more springs, or as in the example shown, may be made of a resilient material and have a porous portion that defaults to a retracted position when at rest, but allows the adapter portion 3658 to move away from the resilient portion. As shown in fig. 35B, the panel posts 3659 can be flexible, allowing the entire stack of panels 3652 to move in a direction away from the longitudinal axis defined by the panel posts.

As shown in fig. 36A, the patch panel assembly can include a stack of panels 3752 slidably attached to panel posts 3759. As shown in the illustrated example, stacked panels 3752 can include a back plate portion 3757A and a front plate portion 3757B, with front plate portion 3757B extending from the back plate portion and adapter 2550 hingedly attached to front plate portion 3757B. Springs, such as coil springs 3658A and leaf springs 3658B, may be attached to each of the back plate portion 3757A and front plate portion 3757B on opposite ends, such that when the stacked panels 3752 are stationary, the front plate portion defaults to the retracted position, but this allows the front plate portion to move away from the back plate portion. As shown, pegs 3756A (or a set of opposing pegs on opposite sides of back plate portion 3757A) extend from back plate portion 3757A, and front plate portion 3757B includes grooves 3756B (or opposing grooves of front plate portion 3757B in which there are opposing pegs) so that the pegs can slide within the grooves to guide the front plate portion to move relative to the back plate portion, e.g., only forward and rearward movement allowed by springs attached to the front and back plate portions. As shown in fig. 36B, the panel posts 3759 can be extendable shafts, such as the two-piece shafts shown, to allow the entire stack of panels 3752 to move in a direction along the longitudinal axis defined by the panel posts, away from the adjacent stacked panels. In such an arrangement, the panel posts 3759 can be placed into a retracted position where they can hold stacked panels of the patch panel assembly, including the stacked panels 3752, in a very close position, e.g., to allow closure of the housing cover onto the housing base of a terminal unit assembly (e.g., assembly 1600, assembly 2500, assembly 2600 described previously herein), thereby limiting the space occupation of the patch panel assembly within such terminal unit assembly.

As shown in fig. 37A and 37B, patch panel assembly 3800 may include stacked panels, each having a sleeve 3858 and a panel post 3859 configured to extend through each sleeve. In the first position of the stacked panels of patch panel assembly 3800 shown in fig. 37A, the bosses 3858 of each stacked panel and the similar elliptical holes defined by the bosses may be aligned with the panel posts 3859 of the elliptical holes extending through the bosses at the same relative positions of the elliptical holes. In the first position, the panel post 3859 may be aligned in a forward-most position within the oblong hole of the sleeve 3858, with the adapter pack 2250 closest to the panel post. Each stacked panel of patch panel assembly 3800 can be moved to a forward-most position, i.e., a maximum distance, wherein the rearward-most position of panel post 3859 within the oblong hole of sleeve 3858 is aligned, wherein the group of adapters 2250 is furthest from the panel post. In this manner, the bosses 3858 limit the maximum travel of the stacked panels of the patch panel assembly 3800, preventing tension that may be induced on the supply side fibers inserted into the adapters 2250. As shown in fig. 37C, the panel post 3859 can include a lever 3857 hingedly attached to a main shaft portion of the panel post. Referring to fig. 37A and 37C, a lever 3857 may be positioned on the end of the panel post 3859 such that the lever retains the cover 3854 against the boss 3858 of the stacked panel of the patch panel assembly 3800 directly adjacent the cover. In this manner, the sleeve 3858 of another one of the stacked panels may also be held against an adjacent stacked panel, as further illustrated in the example of fig. 37A, thereby limiting the space usage of the patch panel assembly 3800.

In a corresponding manner as described for each of the arrangements shown in fig. 33A to 37C, gaps may be provided to the stacked panels as required. Further, the ability of the

springs

3458, 3558, 3658A and 3658B to be stretched in a direction transverse to their longitudinal axes, the resilient movement provided by the resilient portions 3657, and the clearance provided by the faceplate posts 3859 within the elliptical holes of the bushings 3858 all allow slack to be created in the fiber optic cables 1630 on the demand side that are inserted into the adapters of any patch panel assembly in which they are used, which may be the same patch panel assembly as previously described herein, or another patch panel assembly into which the adapters are constructed. In this manner, the adapter can pivot relative to the panel base to which the adapter is attached without the demand side cable 1630 being under tension during such pivoting. Slack may be particularly useful when the stiffness of the demand side cable 1630 is small.

It should be understood that in any patch panel assembly previously described herein, such as, but not limited to, the arrangement of fig. 28-37C, the adapters of a stacked panel can be pivoted to their respective panel bases by a hinge connection such that the adapters can be isolated from adjacent adapters of the same stacked panel previously described herein. This isolation from adjacent adapters may be in addition to the movement of the stacked panels relative to the other stacked panels just described.

In some arrangements, the slack may be generated manually, for example by a technician, by: a group of adapters or stacked panels of the patch panel assembly are moved in a direction toward the entry of a demand side cable (e.g., cable 1630) into the terminal unit assembly, as previously described herein. In this way, installation of the cable with the adapter disposed toward the demand-side cable entry will cause slack in the cable during installation or maintenance of the cable. However, other slack creation mechanisms may also be used alone or in combination with the slack creation mechanisms described previously herein. As shown in fig. 38, the actuator 3960 may be attached to a separate component (e.g., the housing base of the terminal unit assembly) and abut the stacked panels 3952 of the patch panel assembly of the terminal unit assembly. The actuators 3960 may be retracted to move the stacked panels 3952 within the plane defined by the stacked panels from a default position in which the demand side cables generally face away from the entrance of the demand side cables into the terminal unit assemblies to a position in which the demand side cables generally face or more toward the entrance of the demand side cables into the terminal unit assemblies. In such an arrangement, retraction of the actuator 3960 may be automated, for example, when the housing cover of the terminal unit assembly is opened. As shown in fig. 39, the actuator 4060 may be attached to a separate component (e.g., the housing base of the terminal unit assembly) and abut a demand side cable (e.g., cable 1630) that extends from the inlet of the terminal unit assembly to an adapter (e.g., adapter 2550) within the terminal unit assembly in a default position of the actuator. In this manner, installation of the cable 1630 may require that the adapter 2250 does not face the entrance of the cable into the terminal unit assembly like a fork to avoid placing too much tension on the cable. The actuator 4060 may be retracted from the demand side cable 1630 to a position that releases the tension on the cable so that the adapter 2550 may be moved to generally face or more toward the entrance of the demand side cable into the terminal unit assembly. In such an arrangement, retraction of the actuator 4060 may be automated, for example, when the housing cover portion of the terminal unit assembly is opened.

As shown in fig. 41A and 41B, in general, sufficient slack in the demand-side cable is provided by providing one or both of: (i) a sufficient vertical angle θ between a longitudinal axis defined by the adapters 2550 of the patch panel assembly and a line parallel to the line of entry of the respective demand-side cable into the terminal unit assembly, and (ii) a sufficient horizontal angle φ between the entry line of the demand-side cable into the terminal unit assembly and the line from the entry point of the demand-side cable to the position of the adapters when the adapters are set in their respective default positions, or more precisely, the position of the adapters is the position of the end of the jacket into which the cable is received when the shield is inserted into their respective adapters. For relatively less rigid cables, this angle should generally be larger.

Referring now to fig. 42, housing 1712 is identical to housing 1612, with the following notable exceptions: the housing 1712 includes a second slot 1702 in place of the second slot 1602, a cover 1714 in place of the cover 1614, a hinge 1715 in place of the hinge 1615, and an outer edge 1793 of the base 1713 in place of the outer edge 1693 of the base 1613. The second slot 1702 is wider than the second slot 1602, thus providing a wider supply-side insert and thus providing greater stability for holding multiple supply-side cables and surrounding sleeves when received by the wider supply-side insert. Unlike the cover 1614 in the example of the housing 1612, the cover 1714 includes slots corresponding to the second slot 1702 and the first slot 1703, and also includes a seal 1782 in a groove along an edge of the cover. The hinge 1715 is a separable hinge such that the cover 1714 can be removed from the base 1713. The thickness of the inner edge of the outer rim 1793 and the second slot wall 1702' of the base 1713 is greater than the thickness of the outer edge of the outer rim 1793 corresponding to the portion of the lid 1714 including the seal 1782 to provide additional sealing characteristics between the base and lid when the lid is closed onto the base, which may be a water tight seal. In some arrangements, this greater thickness of the inner edge of the outer rim 1793 and the second slot wall 1702' may extend into the groove along the edge of the cover, wherein in some such arrangements the cover may still include the seal 1782, and in other such arrangements the cover may not include a seal along the edge of the cover while still providing a seal.

Referring now to fig. 43, other alternative structures for connecting the base and cover portions together may be used, such as those previously described herein. As shown, the mold package 1812 (with clamping force F)₁And a clamping force F₂Shown, without any particular clamping mechanism) includes a base 1813 and a cover 1814, the base 1813 may be in the form of a tray. Each of the base 1813 and cover 1814 may be in the form of a rigid plastic, such as, but not limited to, a fiberglass composite. The housing 1812 may include side openings and cutouts through which fiber optic cables may pass so that the housing may be used as a housing for a terminal unit assembly, for example, instead of housings like housing 412, housing 512, housing 712, housing 812, housing 912, housing 1612 and housing 1712, such as shown in the example of housing 2312 of the terminal unit assembly 2300 shown in fig. 28. In the example shown, the base 1813 includes a base rim surface 1893A on opposing base side walls 1894A of the base that are attached by opposing base end walls (not shown). Each of the opposing base rim surfaces 1893A includes a convex portion 1895A defining an arc and

end portions

1897A and 1898A extending from the convex portion.

As further shown in this example, the lid 1814 includes a lid edge surface 1893B on opposing lid side walls 1894B of the lid that are attached by opposing lid end walls (not shown). Each of the opposing lid portion edge surfaces 1893B includes a recess 1895B defining an arc and ends 1897B and 1898B extending from the recess. As in this example, by the cover part edge surface 1893BThe arc defined by the recess 1895B may preferably have a length that is shorter than the arc defined by the projection 1895A of the opposing base edge surface 1893A. In this way, when the lid 1814 is placed on the base 1813 in the manner shown in fig. 23, the end 1897B and the end 1898B of the lid edge surface 1893B are aligned with the end 1897A and the end 1898A of the base edge surface 1893A, respectively, and the recessed portion 1895B of the lid edge surface 1893B is in a position substantially complementary to the raised portion 1895A of the base edge surface 1893A, a gap is defined between either or both of: (i) between an end 1897B of the lid edge surface 1893B and an end 1897A of the base edge surface 1893B, as shown in the example of fig. 43, and (ii) between an end 1898B of the lid edge surface 1893B and an end 1898A of the base edge surface 1893B. Therefore, when the clamping force F is applied ₁And a clamping force F₂When applied to ends 1897B and 1898B of lid 1814, the compressive force acting on the ends of lid edge surface 1893B causes the ends of the lid edge surface to be closer to or more preferably abut against respective ends 1897A and 1898A of base edge surface 1893A, thereby creating a tensile force tangential to and a compressive force radial to the arc of the lid edge surface to form a seal along the interface of the lid edge surface and the base edge surface, which may be a watertight seal.

In another arrangement, the arc defined by the recess 1895B of the lid edge surface 1893B may have a larger radius than the arc defined by the protrusion 1895A of the opposing base edge surface 1893A, while the arc defined by the recess 1895B of the lid edge surface 1893B also has a shorter length than the arc defined by the protrusion 1895A of the opposing base edge surface 1893A. In a more preferred arrangement, the arc defined by the recess 1895B of the lid portion edge surface 1893B may have a larger radius than the arc defined by the protrusion 1895A of the opposing base portion edge surface 1893A, while the arc defined by the recess 1895B of the lid portion edge surface 1893B has the same length as the arc defined by the protrusion 1895A of the opposing base portion edge surface 1893A.

In some alternative arrangements, the base and lid edge surfaces 1893A and 1893B may be replaced with base and lid edge surfaces that include respective lips. A rigid strip, which may be a metal strip, may be applied along the lip of the base and cover edge surfaces such that the base and cover edge surfaces are sandwiched between the rigid strips as the base and cover edge surfaces are compressed together. In this way, the base and cover rim surfaces may increase rigidity and durability.

As shown in fig. 44, the package 1912 is substantially identical to the model package 1812, with the following exceptions: the package 1912 includes a hinge 1915, the hinge 1915 being connected to the base 1913 and the cover 1914 at one end of the package such that the cover is rotatable relative to the base and the latch 1980, or a plurality of such latches are attached to the base only when the cover is in the open position as shown. When the cover 1914 is in the closed position, the snap ring 1981 connected to the snap ring 1982 of each latch 1980 rotates on the respective end portion 1998B of the cover such that the end portions 1997B and 1998B of the cover edge surface 1993B tightly abut the

respective end portions

1997A and 1998A of the base edge surface 1993A, as shown in the example of fig. 48. Referring to the variables identified in fig. 44, in this configuration, at each corresponding location along the base edge surface and the lid edge surface, the degree of skewing x of the base edge surface 1993A and the lid edge surface 1993B is approximately equal to F × wl ³/h³Proportionally, where F is the compressive force applied along the cover edge surface due to the clamping force generated by each latch 1980 in the locked position, w is the width across each cover edge surface, h is the average or effective thickness at the location of the maximum force applied by the cover edge surface to the base edge surface, and l is the length of the lateral coordinate from the latch to the maximum force applied by the cover edge surface to the base edge surface, i.e., the distance from the latch taken directly along the bottom surface 1919 parallel to the cover 1914 to a line that can be drawn from each such location to the bottom surface. In the example shown, this maximum force is applied by the cover rim surface at the middle of the arc of the base rim surface.

As shown in fig. 45 and 46, an additional clamping mechanism may be used to clamp the lid to the base instead of a hinge and latch. As shown in fig. 45, a lid 2014 of a package 2012 substantially similar to the

packages

1812 and 1912 may be fastened to the base 2013 by fasteners 2015 at each corner of the lid and base. As shown in fig. 46, lid 2114 of package 2112, which is substantially similar to package 1812, package 1912, and package 2012, may be attached at one end to base 2113 by hinge 2115. When the hook 2181 of the latch 2180, which is rotatably attached to the base, is received in the recess of the flange 2182, the cover 2114 may be clamped to the base 2113 on the end opposite the hinge 2115.

Referring now to fig. 47, package 2212 is substantially identical to package 2112, except that package 2212 includes a hinge 2215 in place of hinge 2115. The hinge 2215 is substantially identical to the hinge 2115, and to some extent, the hinge rod 2116 is inserted through the base flange and the lid flange (in this case, the base flange 2217 of the base 2213 and the lid flange 2218 of the lid 2214) to rotatably attach the base to the lid, or the hinge 2215 is substantially identical to the hinge 1715. In contrast to the hinge 2115 or hinge 1715, the base flange 2217 includes tabs 2221 and the cover flange 2218 includes corresponding tabs 2222. In this manner, as the cover 2214 is closed and clamped to the base 2213, the tabs 2222 of the cover flange 2218 press against the tabs 2221 of the base flange 2217 causing the tabs to be pushed away from each other. In this way, the interface of the

tabs

2221 and 2222 prevents repeated contact compression between the hinge rod 2116 and both the base and cover

flanges

2217 and 2218 that would otherwise occur each time the cover 2214 is clamped to the base 2213 due to the required clearance between the hinge rod and the flanges, which reduces friction between the hinge rod and the flanges during rotation of the cover.

In another example, as shown in terminal unit assembly 2300, housing 2312 may be substantially similar to package 1912, with the following exceptions: the housing 2312 includes side openings and cutouts for supply-side fiber optic cable 1620 (received in sleeve 1625, which in the example shown is the outer jacket of the supply-side fiber optic cable) and demand-side fiber optic cable 1630, and an additional latch 2380 attached to the cover 2314 and extending through the base edge surface 2393A and the cover edge surface 2393B, and in particular spanning the protrusions and recesses of these surfaces, on the sides of the fiber optic cable when locked to further compress the base edge surface to the cover edge surface. In some arrangements, another latch 2380 may be applied to the side of housing 2312 opposite

fiber optic cables

1620, 1630. Latches such as latch 1980 and one or more latches 2380 may be used on any of the housings and packages described herein for holding the respective lid and base closed and, in some arrangements, for providing compression of the lid relative to their respective base, e.g., for any one or any combination of sealing and clamping.

Referring now to fig. 49, in yet another example, a housing 4112 for use with any of the terminal unit assemblies previously described herein includes a housing base 4113 and a housing cover 4114, the housing cover 4114 having a cover outer edge that overlaps with the base outer edge in the same manner as the housing cover 2414 and the housing base 2413 of the terminal unit assembly 2400. As shown, opposing base latches 4117 are hingedly attached to opposing sides of the housing base 4113. The secondary latches 4118 are attached along the length of each of the opposing base latches 4117. The opposing base latches 4117 may be rotated toward the housing cover 4114 until the secondary latches 4118 may be inserted into one or more grooves 4119 of the housing cover 4114. When the secondary latch 4118 is received in the one or more grooves 4119 of the housing cover 4114, continued rotation of the opposing base latch 4117 causes the secondary latch to compress the one or more grooves of the housing cover and lock the housing cover to the housing base 4113. Once the secondary latches 4118 are rotated past the vertical orientation, such that the secondary latches are angled toward the center of the housing cover 4114, the secondary latches exert a force on their respective base latches 4117 to hold the base latches in a closed position, which in the example shown is until the base latches abut the housing cover.

As shown in fig. 50, the housing 4212 is identical or substantially identical to the housing 4112, with the following exceptions: the housing 4212 includes an opposing base latch 4217 in place of the opposing base latch 4117, and a secondary latch 4218 in place of the secondary latch 4118. The base latch 4217 is shorter than the base latch 4117 such that the base latch 4117 does not extend to the top of the housing cover 4214 of the housing 4212. The secondary latch 4218 is longer than the secondary latch 4118 and is curved such that when the base latch 4217 is rotated toward the housing cover, the secondary latch 4218 extends to the top of the housing cover 4214. In the same manner as the housing 4112, when the base latch 4217 is rotated about the housing base 4213 toward the housing cover 4214 and the secondary latch 4218 is received in one or more grooves 4219, wherein the one or more grooves 4219 are configured in substantially the same manner as the one or more grooves 4119 of the housing cover 4114, continued rotation of the opposing base latch 4217 causes the secondary latch to compress and secure the housing cover to the housing base 4213.

As shown in fig. 51-53, additional configurations of the housing may be used with any of the terminal unit assemblies previously described herein. In the example of fig. 51, the housing lid 4314 is attached to each corner of the housing base 4313 by fasteners. In the example of fig. 52 and 53, the housing cover 4414 and the housing cover 4514 are attached to the housing base 4413 and the housing base 4513 by a double hinge on one side and one end, respectively, and the housing cover is secured to the housing base by fasteners passing through each corner of the housing cover and the housing base.

In each arrangement describing hinges, latches and other attachment mechanisms for attaching the base and lid of the housing and package, it will be understood that for such embodiments where such attachment mechanisms have been described as being attached only to the lid or only to the base when the lid is in the open position, in further arrangements such attachment mechanisms may be attached only to the other of the lid and base when the lid is in the open position.

Referring now to fig. 54A-54D, each of the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B, and the supply-side cable 4620C and similar supply-side cables 2620 previously described herein generally include an outer cover 4621, a clamping member 4622, a cap 4638, an internal adapter 4624, a cable stop 4626, and an internal cable 4625 that includes a plurality of internal sub-cables 4630. Supply side cable 4620A shown in fig. 54A includes two-

piece adapter holders

4627A, 4628A, where adapter holder 4628A includes a flange 4631A, which flange 4631A corresponds to insert 4632A of adapter holder 4627A and may be received in insert 4632A of adapter holder 4627A. Supply side cable 4620B shown in fig. 54B includes two-

piece adapter holders

4627B, 4628B, wherein the two pieces of the adapter holders are attached to the inner adapter 4624 by fasteners such as rivets 4631B, such that the two pieces of the adapter holders form a parting line that extends in the same direction as the alignment of the ports 4635 of the inner adapter. The supply side cable 4620C shown in fig. 54C includes two-

piece adapter holders

4627C, 4628C, wherein the two pieces of the adapter holders are attached to the inner adapter 4624 by fasteners such as rivets 4631C, such that the two pieces of the adapter holders form a parting line that extends in a direction perpendicular to the alignment of the ports 4635 of the inner adapter.

A portion of the inner cable 4625 is inserted into the cable stop 4626, such as by way of an interference fit, to prevent or at least inhibit relative movement between the cable stop and the inner cable. The thickest portion of the cable stop 4626 is inserted into the groove 4633 of the outer cover 4621 to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the inner cable 4625 relative to the outer cover. When the cable stop 4626 is received in the recess 4633, an adhesive 4639, such as glue or a sealing material, may be applied around the cable stop 4626 to help retain the cable stop within the recess. Preferably, the adhesive or sealing material is applied by, for example, injection prior to insertion of the cable stop 4626. The connectors of the plurality of sub-cables 4630 (see figure 55) extending from the sheath of the inner cable 4625 are inserted into an inner port (not shown) of the inner adapter 4624 in substantially the same form as the port 4635. In this manner, the optical fibers within the sub-cables 4630 may be maintained in a substantially linear orientation aligned with the internal ports of the internal adapters 4624. In the example of fig. 54A-54D, the port 4635 is configured to receive a connector of a cable, such as an extension cable 2625. In the example shown, flanges 4640 of internal adapters 4624 are received in any of the adapter holder's grooves defined by respective adapter holder portions 4627A-C and adapter holder portions 4628A-C. The adapter holder is received in the bore of the clamp member 4622 such that the adapter holder circumferentially contacts the bore. In some alternative arrangements, the adapter and adapter bracket may be unitary, i.e., a one-piece construction, such that they are inseparable without fracture of one or both components. As shown, the clamping member 4622 is threaded onto the outer lid 4621 such that the clamping member can be placed against the abutment 4636 of the outer lid. Alternatively, the abutment 4636 may be placed against the outside of a wall (e.g., of a housing of a terminal unit assembly) and the clamp member 4622 may be threaded onto the outer cover 4621 until the clamp member is placed against the inside of the same wall. A seal 4637A, which may be an O-ring seal, may be placed around the outer lid 4621 along the abutment 4636 for additional sealing between the wall and the upper lid. Before supply-side cable 4620A, supply-side cable 4620B, and supply-side cable 4620C are ready for use, cap 4638 may be screwed onto clamping member 4622 to cover and protect ports 4635 of adapters 4624. A seal 4637B, which may be an O-ring seal, may be placed around the clamping member 4622 at the interface between the clamping member and the cap 4638 for additional sealing between the clamping member and the cap.

As shown in fig. 56A and 56B, the internal adapters may have ports that intersect or nearly intersect only at their corners, rather than being disposed directly adjacent to each other and all facing the same direction as the ports 4635 of the internal adapters 4624. In the example of fig. 56A and 56B, the adapter 4724 and the adapter 4824 each include two ports 4735A and 4835A that are longitudinally aligned and two ports 4735B and 4835B that are laterally aligned. In this manner, only two of the plurality of sub-cables 4630 must be partially twisted to plug into the ports of

adapters

4724 and 4824. It should be appreciated that each of the port configurations shown in fig. 56A and 56B may provide more room for a customer to fit a supply side cable with which to plug in a sub-cable 4630 relative to the port configuration of the internal adapter 4624.

Referring now to fig. 57, the supply side cable 4920 generally includes an outer cover 4921, a gripping member 4922, a cap 4938, an internal adapter 4924, a cable stop 4926, an internal cable 4925 including a plurality of internal sub-cables 4930, and optionally may include a secondary adapter stop 4927. Cable stop 4926 is attached to a portion of inner cable 4925, for example by crimping the cable stop to the inner cable as best shown in fig. 58, to prevent relative movement between the cable stop and the inner cable. The cable stop 4926 is inserted into the groove 4933 of the outer cover 4921 and, in some arrangements, is pressed into the groove 4933 of the outer cover 4921 by way of an interference fit to prevent lateral and longitudinal movement of the inner cable 4925 relative to the outer cover. When cable stop 4926 is received in recess 4933, an adhesive 4939, such as glue or sealing material, may be applied around cable stop 4926 to help retain the cable stop within the recess. Preferably, the adhesive or sealant is applied, such as by injection, prior to insertion into cable stop 4926. The connectors of a plurality of sub-cables 4930 (see fig. 58) extending from the jackets of internal cables 4925 are inserted into internal ports (not shown) of internal adapter 4924 in substantially the same form as port 4635. When the cable stop 4926 is received in the groove 4933 or just after the cable stop 4926 is received in the groove 4933, the internal adapter 4924 connected to the plurality of sub-cables 4930 is received by interference fit into the internal opening 4928 defined by the aperture of the outer cover 4921, the plurality of sub-cables 4930 extending through the aperture of the outer cover 4921 upon insertion to prevent or at least inhibit relative movement between the internal adapter and the outer cover. As shown in this example, the interior opening 4928 may have a smaller diameter than the remainder of the bore of the outer lid 4921, such that the interior opening acts as an adapter stop. In this manner, the optical fibers within sub-cable 4930 may be maintained in a substantially linear orientation aligned with the internal port of internal adapter 4924. The optional auxiliary adapter stop 4927 may be threaded into the outer lid 4921, such as by an interference fit, and around the inner adapter 4924 received in the inner opening 4928 to provide additional retention to the inner adapter to further prevent or at least inhibit relative movement between the inner adapter and the outer lid.

The clamping member 4922 is screwed into the outer cover 4921 as shown so that the side 4946 of the clamping member is placed against the abutment 4936 of the outer cover or, as shown, so that the abutment of the outer cover and the side of the clamping member are placed against opposite sides of a wall 4950, which wall 4950 may be a wall of the housing of the terminal unit assembly. A seal 4937A, which may be an O-ring seal, may be placed around the outer cover 4921 along the abutment 4936 for additional sealing between the wall 4950 and the outer cover. Before supply-side cable 4620A, supply-side cable 4620B, and supply-side cable 4620C are ready for use, cap 4938 may be screwed onto clamping member 4922 to cover and protect the ports of adapter 4924. A seal 4937B, which may be an O-ring seal, may be placed around the clamping member 4922 at the interface between the clamping member and the cap 4938 for additional sealing between the clamping member and the cap. A sealing member 4937C, which may be an O-ring seal, may be placed around the gripping member 4922 along the side 4946 for additional sealing between the wall 4950 and the gripping member.

Referring now to fig. 59, the supply-side cable 5020 is identical or substantially identical to the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B and the supply-side cable 4620C, with the following notable exceptions: the supply-side cable 5020 includes a clamping member 5022 instead of the clamping member 4622 and a cap 5038 instead of the cap 4638. The clamp member 5022 is threaded along its entire inner diameter such that the clamp member can be threaded onto the outer cover 4621, the combination of the adaptor holder portions 4627A-C and the adaptor holder portions 4628A-C can be received within the clamp member 5022 such that the adaptor formed by the combination of the adaptor holder portions circumferentially contacts the threaded diameter of the clamp member, and the cap 5038 can be threaded into the clamp member 5022. In some alternative arrangements, a portion of the inner diameter of the clamp member 5022 may have a smooth surface rather than a threaded surface, such that an adapter formed by the combination of the respective adapter holder portions 4627A-C and adapter holder portions 4628A-C may circumferentially contact such a smooth surface of the clamp member rather than a threaded surface.

As shown in fig. 60, in another alternative embodiment of the supply-side cable 5020, the clamp member 5022 can be replaced by a clamp member 5122 and the cap 5038 can be replaced by a cap 5138. Unlike the combination of the clamp member 5022 and the cap 5038, in this example, the cap 5138 has internal threads that mate with external threads on one end of the clamp member 5122. In addition, clamp member 5122 has a smooth surface along the length of the clamp member's internal bore that is configured to contact an adapter holder formed, for example, by the combination of the respective adapter holder pieces 4627A-C and adapter holder pieces 4628A-C.

Referring now to fig. 61, when supply-

side cables

4620A, 4620B, and 4620C are ready for use, multi-fiber push-on (MPO) cables 5260 may be attached (e.g., threaded) to any one of the supply-side cables after cap 4638 is removed from the supply-side cables. As shown, MPO cables 5260 generally include a main cover 5262, a coupler 5266, and internal cables 5275 extending through the coupler and main cover. The internal cable 5275 includes a plurality of internal sub-cables 5277 for insertion into corresponding ports of the internal adapters 4624 of the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B, and the supply-side cable 4620C. The main cap 5262 includes internal threads for engagement with the external threads of the clamping member 4622. The coupler 5266 includes a coupling flange 5267 for receipt into a bore defined by the main cap 5262. The main cap 5262 is screwed onto the coupler 5267 until the coupler flange 5267 abuts a corresponding cap flange 5263 of the main cap. The threads of the main cap 5262 that engage the threads of the clamping member 4622 should have an opposite lead (lead) than the threads of the main cap that engage the threads of the coupling flange 5267 to avoid twisting of the internal cable 5275 and to prevent the other threads of the main cap from loosening. For example, the threadable engagement clamping member 4622 may have a right hand lead and the threadable engagement coupling flange 5267 may have a left hand lead. The coupler 5266 includes a tapered central bore 5268 such that when the main cap 5262 is screwed onto the coupler 5267, the internal cables 5275 are compressed to generally align with the internal adapters 4624 of the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B and the supply-side cable 4620C. In addition to aligning with the internal cables 5275, this compression also serves to prevent the internal cables from twisting and provides a seal of the aperture defined by the main cap 5262.

In an alternative arrangement shown in fig. 62, the MPO cable 5360 generally includes a main cover 5363, a coupler 5366, a compression nut 5370, an inner cable 5375, and an optional alignment member 5381. The internal cable 5375 includes a plurality of internal sub-cables 5377 for insertion into respective ports of the internal adapters 4624 of the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B, and the supply-side cable 4620C. The engagement of the main cover 5363 with the clamping member 4622 is the same as or substantially the same as the engagement of the main cover 5263 with the clamping member of the MPO cable 5260. The engagement of the main cover 5363 with the coupler 5366 and the engagement of the coupler with the internal cable 5375 are substantially the same as such engagement within the MPO cable 5260, except for the case where the coupler 5366 and the main cover 5363 do not include threads for engaging with each other. The tapered portion 5371 of the compression nut 5370 is placed against a corresponding tapered portion of the main cap 5363, and the compression nut is threaded onto the external threads of the coupler 5366 so that the main cap is compressed, compressing the coupler against the internal cable 5375. As shown, the inner cable 5375 includes a shroud 5378 from which the inner sub-cable 5377 extends, wherein the shroud is configured to seal the inner bore of the coupler 5366 along the shroud and the corresponding taper of the coupler. As further shown, optional alignment member 5381 is a tube extending between the plane of coupler 5366 and an adapter holder formed by the combination of adapter holder portions 4627A-C and adapter holder portions 4628A-C to assist in aligning inner cable 5375 with respect to adapters 4624 of supply-side cable 4620A, supply-side cable 4620B, and supply-side cable 4620C. In some alternative arrangements, the clamping members 4622 and the main covers 5363 of the supply-side cable 4620A, the supply-side cable 4620B and the supply-side cable 4620C may be integral such that they are not separable without breaking either or both of these components.

Referring now to fig. 63A and 63B, the terminal unit assembly 5400 is substantially identical to the terminal unit assembly 2500 with the following notable exceptions: the supply-side cable 2520 is replaced by a combination of a supply-side cable 5420 and a plurality of multi-fiber extension cables 5425 insertable through a supply-side insert 2555, the demand-side fiber cable 1630 is replaced by a demand-side cable 5430, and the attachment of the housing base 5413 and the housing cover 5414, described further below, is different from the attachment of the housing base 2413 and the housing cover 2414. Each multi-fiber extension cable 5425 includes a connector adapter 5425A, which as shown, connector adapter 5425A is in the form of an MPO connector adapter, as best shown in fig. 63B, mounted on respective pivot arms 5426 and supply side fibers 5424.

In the illustrated example, the supply-side cable 5420 includes a plurality of multi-fiber supply-side internal cables 5427, the plurality of multi-fiber supply-side internal cables 5427 extending from an inner cover 5422 on an end of the extension cable 5423, and having a supply-side connector 5428 on an end of the supply-side internal cable, the supply-side connector 5428 for interconnecting with a corresponding connector adapter 5425A. As shown in fig. 63B, the rotating arm 5426 rotates to guide the connector adapter 5425A away from the housing base 5413, so that the connector adapter 5425A can be easily accessed for connection and disconnection with the supply-side connector 5428. When the respective supply-side connector 5428 of the supply-side cable 5420 and the connector adapter 5425A of the extension cable 5425 are connected, the respective optical fibers within the supply-side inner cable 5427 and the optical fibers within the extension cable 5425 may be aligned for transmitting optical signals between the opposing optical fibers for optical communication between the optical fibers within the supply-side inner cable and the optical fibers within the demand-side optical fiber cable 5430.

As shown in fig. 64, the supply side cable 5420 also includes an outer cover 5421, which outer cover 5421 may be threaded and include a threaded nut around the outer cover for proper sealing and attachment to the supply side insert 2555. The cable support 5429 is placed over the extension cable 5423 and secured to the housing base 5413 to help maintain the relative position between the supply side cable 5420 and the supply side insert 2555 and prevent the supply side cable from bending.

As further shown in fig. 63A and 63B, unlike demand-side fiber optic cable 1630, a plurality of jacketed optical fibers extend from the main outer cover of each demand-side fiber optic cable 5430, such that the optical fibers within housing base 5413 have greater flexibility than the optical fibers within demand-side fiber optic cable 1630. As shown, to organize the optical fibers extending from the demand side fiber optic cable 5430, the optical fibers are wrapped around the fiber support 5435 and covered by the flange 5435A of the fiber support.

Referring now to fig. 65 and 66, the terminal unit assembly 5500 is substantially similar to the terminal unit assembly 5400. In the arrangement of the terminal unit assembly 5500, the housing base 5513 is optionally attached to the housing cover 5514 of the terminal unit assembly 5500 by a lanyard 5519 such that the housing base can be completely separated from the housing cover except for the connection via the lanyard. In this manner, a technician may set aside the housing cover 5514 when working on the terminal unit assembly 5500 to provide easier access to the housing base 5513. The housing base 5513 is also optionally attached to the housing cover 5514 by a clip-on hinge 5515, such that the housing base may be rotatably attached to the housing cover by the clip-on hinge. As best shown in fig. 65 and 67, the clip hinge 5515 includes a lower plate portion 5515A, the lower plate portion 5515A being removably inserted into a hinge bracket 5515B attached to the housing base 5513. The lower plate portion 5515A includes an engagement flange 5515C that snaps over the hinge bracket 5515B when the lower plate portion is fully inserted into the hinge bracket to prevent the lower plate portion from being removed from the hinge bracket. When the engagement flange 5515C is depressed, the lower plate portion 5515A can be removed from the hinge bracket 5515B. The snap hinge 5515 further includes a hinge arm 5515D hingedly connected to the lower plate portion 5515A by a hinge shaft 5515E and a flange clip 5515F attached to the hinge arm and having an opposing hook configured to clip down onto the lid flange 5514A of the housing lid 5514 to attach the snap hinge to the housing lid.

With further reference to fig. 67, the flange clip 5515F is wrapped around the opposite side of the lid flange 5514A. In an alternative arrangement shown in fig. 68A, the clip hinge 5615 is identical to the clip hinge 5515, with the following exceptions: the hinge arms of the clip hinge 5615 also include angled ledges 5615G, the ledges 5615G being adapted to be inserted into a cavity in the underside of the lid ledge 5514A to provide a stronger engagement between the clip hinge and the lid ledge. As shown in fig. 68B, in another alternative arrangement, the snap hinge 5715 is similar to the snap hinge 5515, but the hinge arms of the snap hinge 5715 do not include opposing hooks such that the hinge arms are configured to be laterally sandwiched between the housing base 5513 and the housing lid 5514, and further include a circular flange 5715G for insertion into a cavity in the underside of the lid flange 5514A to provide a stronger engagement between the snap hinge and the lid flange. In yet another alternative arrangement, as shown in fig. 68C, the clip-on hinge may be identical to clip-on hinge 5615, except that hinge arm 5815D of such clip-on hinge may further include a separate arm. As further shown in fig. 68C, the cover flange 5814A includes an opening 5814B such that when the clip-on hinge is placed down on the cover flange, the separate arms of the hinge arm 5815D may be squeezed together to fit within the opening. Once the separator arms are fully passed through the openings 5814B, the arms can be released such that the arms return to their normal positions and clip under the respective arms defining the openings 5814B of the lid flange 5814A to attach the clip-on hinge to the lid flange. In this manner, the hook on such a snap hinge may be larger than the hooks on the snap hinge 5515 and the snap hinge 5615, such that a snap hinge using the hinge arm 5815D requires a greater force to remove from the lid flange 5814A than is required to remove the snap hinge 5515 and the snap hinge 5615 from the lid flange 5514A.

In some alternative arrangements, the terminal unit assemblies, for example in the form of terminal unit assembly 1600, terminal unit assembly 2400, terminal unit assembly 2500, terminal unit assembly 2600, terminal unit assembly 2700, terminal unit assembly 5400, and terminal unit assembly 5500, may be part of an intelligent optical fiber termination system such as disclosed in U.S. patent application No.16/659,248 filed 2019, 10, 21.

It should also be understood that the disclosure set forth herein includes any possible combination of the specific features set forth above, whether or not specifically disclosed herein. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration or embodiment, the feature may also be used, to the extent possible, in combination and/or in the context of other particular aspects, arrangements, configurations and embodiments of the technology, and in general in the technology.

In addition, although the technology herein has been described with reference to particular features, it is to be understood that these features are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present technology. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present technology, which modifications include variations in the size of the various features described herein. In this regard, the present technology includes many additional features besides those specifically set forth in the claims below. Furthermore, the foregoing disclosure is to be considered illustrative and not restrictive, as the technology is defined by the claims set forth below.

Claims

1. A fiber optic termination system comprising:

a first panel comprising a first array of first connector assemblies; and

a second panel attached to and overlaying the first panel, the second panel including a second array of second connector assemblies, wherein the second connector assemblies are movable to expose one of the first connector assemblies.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the second connector assembly is configured to lie in the first plane and to be movable within the first plane to expose the one first connector assembly.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first array of first connector assemblies is disposed to lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly have the same shape and size.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first panel further comprises a first base and the first array of first connector assemblies extends from the first base, and wherein the second panel further comprises a second base and the second array of second connector assemblies extends from the second base.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first connector assembly and the second connector assembly each comprise a first connector and an adapter attachable to a second connector such that the first connector and the second connector are in optical communication.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a package, the package comprising:

a base;

a cover attachable to the base;

a flange hingedly attached to a bottom portion of the base or a top portion of the lid, the flange rotatable to a closed position wherein a portion of the flange extends above the top portion of the lid when the flange is attached to the bottom portion of the base and extends above the bottom portion of the base when the flange is attached to the top portion of the lid.

8. An optical connector assembly comprising:

an adapter having opposite inner and outer ends;

an optical fiber insertable into the inner end of the adapter;

a rear cover surrounding a portion of the optical fiber; and

a central cover surrounding a portion of the adapter and attachable to the back cover.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the optical fiber includes a connector that is inserted into the inner end of the adapter.

10. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a cap attachable to the central cover to cover the outer end of the adapter.

11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the central cap is attached to the rear cap by threads on a first end of the central cap and to the cap portion by threads on a second end of the central cap opposite the first end of the central cap.

12. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a bushing between and in contact with the adapter and the central cover such that the bushing is aligned with the adapter.

13. A fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly, comprising:

a housing having an inner surface;

a terminal block terminal coupled to the inner surface of the housing;

an input optical fiber extending into the housing;

a plurality of output optical fibers extending out of the housing from the patch panel terminal, wherein a light beam emitted from the input optical fibers is split into a plurality of light beams that are received by the patch panel terminal; and

A seal assembly located at any one or both of: (i) between the input optical fiber and the housing and (ii) between the housing and the plurality of output optical fibers.

14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising an output coupling element extending from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis extending in a direction toward and away from the housing, the plurality of output optical fibers extending through the output coupling element, wherein the housing defines an output aperture through which the plurality of output optical fibers extend, the output coupling element contacting the housing around an entire perimeter of the output aperture to form a watertight seal at an interface of the output coupling element and the housing.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the output coupling element comprises an output coupling flange extending from an end of the output coupling element in a direction transverse to the first longitudinal axis, and wherein an entire perimeter of the output coupling flange is adhered to the inner surface of the housing to form the watertight seal.

16. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the output coupling element is molded onto the housing around an entire perimeter of the output aperture such that the output coupling element cannot be separated from the housing without breaking either or both of the output coupling element and the housing.

17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the plurality of output optical fibers extend through an outer jacket, and wherein the outer jacket extends through the output coupling element.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of output optical fibers extend through an outer jacket extending through the output coupling element, wherein the output coupling element comprises:

an outer shroud against an outer surface opposite the inner surface of the housing;

an inner shroud adjacent the inner surface of the housing;

an inner locking ring; and

an outer locking ring attached to the housing and forming a threaded connection with the inner locking ring, wherein the inner shroud is pressed against the outer jacket of the output coupling by the inner locking ring to form the water-tight seal when the inner locking ring is screwed in a direction toward the housing.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the output coupling element includes a neck at a location spaced from the housing and having a smaller inner circumference than other sections of the output coupling element, and wherein the neck conforms to a circumference of the outer jacket to form the water-tight seal.

20. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the output coupling element defines an output coupling groove around an entire perimeter of the output coupling element, and wherein the housing extends into the output coupling groove at the output aperture in an interference fit to form the watertight seal.

21. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising an input coupling element extending from the housing and defining a second longitudinal axis extending in a direction toward and away from the housing, the input optical fiber extending through the input coupling element, wherein the housing defines an input aperture through which the input fiber optic cable extends, the input coupling element contacting the housing around an entire perimeter of the input aperture to form a watertight seal at an interface of the input coupling element and the housing.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the input optical fiber extends through an outer jacket extending through the input coupling element, wherein the input coupling element comprises:

an inner shroud adjacent the inner surface of the housing;

an inner locking ring; and

an outer locking ring attached to the housing and forming a threaded connection with the inner locking ring, wherein the inner shroud is pressed against the outer jacket of the input coupling by the inner locking ring to form the water-tight seal when the inner locking ring is screwed in a direction toward the housing.

23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the input coupling element comprises an input coupling flange extending from an end of the input coupling element in a direction transverse to the second longitudinal axis, and wherein an entire perimeter of the input coupling flange is adhered to the inner surface of the housing to form the watertight seal.

24. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the input coupling element is molded onto the housing around the entire perimeter of the input aperture such that the input coupling element cannot be separated from the housing without breaking either or both of the input coupling element and the housing.

25. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the input coupling element defines an input groove around an entire perimeter of the input coupling element, and wherein the housing extends into the input groove at the input aperture with an interference fit to form the watertight seal.

26. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the optical signal assembly comprises an optical splitter or an optical wavelength division multiplexer.

27. The assembly of claim 13, wherein said cable and termination unit assembly is an external equipment (OSP) cable assembly.

28. The assembly of claim 13, wherein a plurality of intermediate optical fibers are connected to the patch panel terminal and the optical signal assembly, wherein the plurality of optical beams received by the patch panel terminal propagate along respective ones of the plurality of intermediate optical fibers.

29. A fiber optic termination system comprising:

the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly of claim 13;

a package separate from the housing of the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly;

a plurality of electronic or optical devices located within the package, wherein the plurality of output optical fibers are configured to convey respective light beams to any one or any combination of the plurality of electronic and optical devices in the package.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the plurality of electronic or optical devices comprise any one or any combination of an antenna, a kiosk, and an optical switch.

31. The system of claim 29, wherein the fiber optic cable and terminal unit assembly further comprises an output coupling element and an input coupling element each extending from the housing, the plurality of output optical fibers extending through the output coupling element and the input optical fibers extending through the input coupling element, and wherein the package comprises a package aperture, and wherein the output coupling element contacts the package around an entire perimeter of the package aperture to form a watertight seal at an interface of the output coupling element and the package.

32. The system of claim 31, wherein the plurality of output optical fibers extend through an outer jacket and a cable connector, and wherein the outer jacket extends through the output coupling element to the cable connector, the cable connector being attached to the package.

33. A method of assembling a fiber optic termination system, comprising:

Attaching output optical fibers extending through an output fiber optic coupler to terminals within a package, wherein the output optical fibers are connected to patch panel terminals within a housing external to the package and the output optical fibers are optically connected to input optical fibers extending into the housing; and

connecting the output fiber optic coupler to the package to form a water-tight seal.

34. A fiber optic termination system comprising:

a housing defining at least a first portion of a first channel and an inner surface surrounding the first portion of the first channel, the first channel defining a central axis, and the inner surface defining an interior of the housing;

a first cable receivable through the first portion of the first channel, the first cable including a first optical fiber and defining a cable longitudinal axis; and

a catch receivable in the housing and attachable to and extendable from the first cable in a direction transverse to the cable longitudinal axis such that when the catch is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, the catch restricts movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing.

35. The system of claim 34, wherein the inner surface surrounds an end of the first channel.

36. The system of claim 34, wherein an interior of the housing includes a passage configured to receive the snap.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the passageway is defined at least in part by opposing walls configured to contact opposing sides of the catch.

38. The system of claim 37, wherein at least one of the walls includes at least one hook that allows the snap to snap into the passageway.

39. The system of claim 36, wherein the passageway is at least partially defined by a fillet or chamfer.

40. The system of claim 36, wherein the passage is an open passage, and further comprising a cover configured to cover a portion of the housing, the cover comprising a flange configured to extend partially into the open passage to limit movement of the first cable in a direction toward the cover when the first cable is received in the open passage.

41. The system of claim 34, wherein the clasp comprises a tube.

42. The system of claim 41, wherein the conduit is adhered to the first cable.

43. The system of claim 41, wherein the conduit comprises a barb configured to extend into the outer surface of the first cable such that when the barb extends into the outer surface of the first cable, the conduit remains fixed in position relative to the outer surface of the first cable.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of partial conduits attached to one another by one or more hinges.

45. The system of claim 41, wherein the conduit comprises a first section and a second section extending from the first section, at least a portion of the second section of the conduit having a larger outer diameter than the first section to define a step, and wherein the step restricts movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing when the snap is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first channel.

46. The system of claim 34, further comprising a coupling tube and a retaining ring defining a portion of the first channel, a first portion of the coupling tube configured for positioning between the retaining ring and the housing and a second portion of the coupling tube configured to extend through the housing, wherein the retaining ring is movable along the first cable to compress the first portion of the coupling tube and the second portion of the coupling tube is configured to contact the housing such that the coupling tube compresses the first cable to substantially align the central axis and the cable longitudinal axis.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein the coupling tube comprises a slit along a length of the coupling tube such that the first cable can be received in the coupling tube through the slit.

48. The system of claim 46, wherein the coupling tube comprises a flange receivable within an interior of the housing, wherein a portion of the housing is configured to extend between a second portion of the coupling tube and the flange to prevent axial movement of the coupling tube relative to the housing.

49. The system of claim 34, further comprising an adapter and a second cable, wherein the inner end of the first cable and the inner end of the second cable are configured to be inserted into the adapter such that the first cable and the second cable are aligned so as to achieve either or both of: routing optical signals from the first cable to the second cable and routing optical signals from the second cable to the first cable.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein the housing comprises a platform, and further comprising an optical device configured to be attached to the second cable such that the optical device and an inner end of the first cable are located on opposite sides of the platform.

51. The system of claim 34, further comprising an additional cable comprising an additional optical fiber and defining an additional cable longitudinal axis, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of housing tubes extending from an exterior of the housing opposite an interior of the housing, the plurality of housing tubes defining respective portions of a channel including a portion of the first channel, and wherein the first cable and the additional cable are receivable through respective ones of the plurality of housing tubes.

52. The system of claim 51, further comprising:

a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the housing; and

a plurality of locking rings configured to be threaded onto respective ones of the plurality of housing tubes, wherein the plurality of locking rings are removable when the cover covers an interior of the housing.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein the plurality of housing tubes define respective housing tube central axes, the system further comprising:

a plurality of coupling tubes configured to surround and couple to respective ones of the plurality of housing tubes, wherein the plurality of lock rings define a portion of the passage including a portion of the first passage, the first portion of each of the plurality of coupling tubes configured to be positioned between a respective housing tube of the plurality of housing tubes and the plurality of lock rings, and the second portion of each of the coupling tubes is configured to extend partially through the housing, wherein the locking rings are movable along the respective cables to compress the first portions of the respective coupling tubes, and the second portion of the respective coupling tube is configured to contact the housing such that the respective coupling tube compresses the respective cable, to generally align with each of the respective housing tube central axis and the cable longitudinal axis.

54. The system of claim 51, further comprising a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the housing and to include respective portions of the plurality of housing tubes, wherein the cover and the housing together form an entirety of the plurality of housing tubes when the cover covers the interior of the housing.

55. The system of claim 34, further comprising an adhesive applied to the housing and the catch to limit movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing when the catch is received in the housing and the cable is received through the first portion of the first channel.

56. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the base, the system further comprising:

a latch slidable on corresponding closed portions of the base and lid, wherein in a first position of the latch, when the lid covers the interior of the base, the latch overlies the closed portion of the lid such that the lid cannot be opened, and in a second position of the latch, when the lid covers the interior of the base, the latch is offset from the closed portion of the lid such that the lid can be opened.

57. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover configured to cover at least an interior of the base, the system further comprising:

a latch attached to the base or the cover, wherein when the cover covers the interior of the base, the latch latches the cover to the base in a closed position of the latch such that the cover cannot be opened, and wherein when the cover covers the interior of the base in an open position of the latch, the cover can be opened.

58. The system of claim 34, wherein the clasp is an adjustable clamp attached or attachable to the housing and configured to receive at least the first optical fiber of the first cable, and wherein when the clasp is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, the clamp, when tightened, limits movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing, and when the clamp is loosened, the clamp allows the first cable to separate from the clamp.

59. The system of claim 34, further comprising:

an adapter attached or attachable to the housing; and

a second cable, including a second optical fiber,

wherein the first cable and the second cable are attachable to the adapter such that the ends of the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber face and are aligned with each other.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the housing comprises a housing wall that divides the housing into separate compartments, and wherein the adapter is receivable and extends into the housing wall.

61. The system of claim 59, further comprising a stabilizer attached or attachable to an inner surface of the housing and spaced apart from the adapter, the stabilizer configured to support at least the first optical fiber.

62. The system of claim 61, further comprising a routing protrusion extending from or extendable from the housing such that a portion of the first optical fiber of the first cable extending between the adjustable clamp and the stabilizer at least partially wraps around the routing protrusion.

63. The system of claim 62, wherein the first cable forms an angle of approximately 90 degrees when the first cable is attached to the adapter and wrapped at least partially around the routing protrusion.

64. The system of claim 34, further comprising:

a coupling tube extending from and around the first cable, the coupling tube including opposing ends separated by a thickness, one or both of the opposing ends of the coupling tube being chamfered; and

a plug insertable into the housing, wherein the plug compresses the coupling tube in a first position relative to the housing, thereby causing compression of the first portion of the first cable to maintain the position of the first portion of the first cable relative to the plug, and wherein the first portion of the first cable is movable relative to the plug when the plug is in a second position relative to the housing.

65. The system of claim 64, wherein either or both of the coupling tube and the plug includes a slot through which the first cable can be inserted.

66. The system of claim 34, further comprising:

a wall defining a plurality of compartments; and

a first cover covering at least one of the plurality of compartments.

67. The system of claim 66, further comprising a second cover, wherein the first cover and the second cover share a hinge.

68. The system of claim 67, further comprising a second cover covering the first cover and the plurality of compartments.

69. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a slot, and wherein the clasp is an insertion assembly comprising a flexible insert insertable into the slot, the flexible insert comprising a plurality of insertion holes configured to receive a plurality of electrical cables, respectively, the plurality of insertion holes comprising a first insertion hole and the plurality of electrical cables comprising the first electrical cable.

70. The system of claim 69, wherein the first insertion hole includes a rib configured to provide an interference fit when the first cable is received in the first insertion hole.

71. The system of claim 69, wherein the flexible insertion assembly further comprises an adjustable clamp configured to receive at least the first optical fiber of the first cable, and wherein when the insertion assembly is received in the housing and the first cable is received through the first insertion hole and the first portion of the first channel, the clamp, when tightened, limits movement of the first cable in a direction away from an interior of the housing, and when released, the clamp allows the first cable to separate from the clamp.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein the insert assembly further comprises a plate attached or attachable to the insert and configured to extend into the interior of the housing, wherein the clamp is attached or attachable to the plate.

73. The system of claim 69, wherein the insert further comprises a slot along a length of the first insertion aperture such that the first cable can be received in the first channel through the slot.

74. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a first slot, and wherein the clasp comprises a first set of stacked layers receivable into the first slot, the combination of the stacked layers of the first set of stacked layers defining a plurality of insertion apertures configured to receive a plurality of cables, respectively, the plurality of cables comprising the first cable.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein the first set of stacked layers includes a first layer defining a plurality of first grooves and a second layer adjacent to the first layer and defining a plurality of second grooves, the combination of corresponding first and second grooves of the first and second layers defining the plurality of insertion apertures.

76. The system of claim 75 wherein the clip further comprises a fastener extending through the first and second layers and configured for attachment to the housing, the fastener clamping the first and second layers together, thereby clamping the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes when the fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in the one of the plurality of insertion holes.

77. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a first slot, and wherein the clasp comprises a plurality of sets of stacked layers receivable into the first slot, a combination of the stacked layers of each of the plurality of sets of stacked layers defining a plurality of insertion holes configured to respectively receive a plurality of cables, the plurality of cables comprising the first cable.

78. The system of claim 77, wherein each of the plurality of sets of stacked layers comprises a flexible first layer defining a plurality of first grooves and a flexible second layer adjacent to the flexible first layer and defining a plurality of second grooves, the combination of corresponding ones of the plurality of first and second grooves of each of the respective first and second layers defining the plurality of insertion holes.

79. The system of claim 78, wherein the first and second layers of each of the stacked layers are made of a flexible plastic or rubber.

80. The system of claim 78, wherein the clip further comprises a rigid intermediate layer between each of the plurality of stacked layers.

81. The system of claim 80, wherein the rigid intermediate layer is attached to a second layer of one of the plurality of stacked layers and a first layer of another of the plurality of stacked layers.

82. The system of claim 78, wherein the clasp further comprises a rigid outer layer defining an outer end of the clasp.

83. The system of claim 82, wherein the rigid outer layer is attached to a first layer of one of the plurality of stacked layers.

84. The system of claim 82, wherein a second layer of one of the plurality of sets of stacked layers is attached to the housing such that the housing defines an inner end of the clasp opposite the outer end.

85. The system of claim 82, wherein the clasp further comprises a rigid inner layer opposite the outer layer and attached to the housing, the inner layer defining an inner end of the clasp.

86. The system of claim 77, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover configured to be attached or rotatably attached to the base, and wherein an entirety of the first slot extends in the base such that an entirety of the snap is receivable in the first slot.

87. The system of claim 77, wherein the clasp further comprises at least a first fastener and at least a second fastener, the first fastener extending through at least a first set of the plurality of stacked layers and a second set of the plurality of stacked layers, the second fastener extending through only the second set of the plurality of stacked layers, each of the first fastener and the second fastener configured to attach to the housing,

wherein the first fastener clamps together the first and second layers of each of the first and second sets of stacked layers, thereby clamping the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes when the first fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in the one of the plurality of insertion holes, and

wherein the second fastener clamps the first and second layers of the second set of stacked layers together without clamping the first and second layers of the first set of stacked layers together, whereby when the second fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in one of the plurality of insertion holes defined by the second set of stacked layers, the second fastener clamps the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes defined by the second set of stacked layers.

88. The system of claim 77, further comprising:

a plurality of stacked panels coupled to an interior surface of the housing, each of the panels including an array of adapters, each of the adapters being movable relative to the interior surface of the housing; and

a plurality of first cables, an end of each first cable receivable in a first port of the plurality of adapters such that the first cable is movable toward and away from one or more other first cables of the plurality of first cables when received in the first port.

89. The system of claim 88, wherein each panel of the plurality of stacked panels further comprises a panel base secured to the housing and the adapter array of the respective panel, and wherein at least a portion of the panel base is rotatable in a direction toward and away from the inner surface of the housing.

90. The system of claim 89, wherein the adapter of at least one of the panels is movable relative to the panel base.

91. The system of claim 89, wherein the adapter of at least one of the panels is rotatable within a plane defined by the panel including the adapter.

92. The system of claim 89, wherein the adapter of at least one of the panels is hingeable relative to the panel base.

93. The system of claim 89, wherein the adapter of at least one of the panels is slidable relative to the panel base.

94. The system according to claim 88, wherein each panel of the plurality of stacked panels further comprises a panel base secured to the housing and the adapter array of the respective panel, and wherein at least a portion of the panel base is slidable in a direction parallel to the inner surface of the housing.

95. The system of claim 88, further comprising:

a plurality of second cables, each second cable including a second optical fiber, each second cable having an end receivable in or extending from the second port of a respective one of the plurality of adapters, wherein the end of one of the second cables is aligned with the end of one of the first cables when the end of the one of the first cables is received in or extends from the first port of the respective one of the plurality of adapters and the end of the one of the second cables is received in or extends from the respective one of the plurality of adapters.

96. The system of claim 95, wherein the housing comprises a second slot spaced apart from the first slot and configured to receive the plurality of second cables.

97. The system of claim 96, further comprising a sleeve surrounding the second cable such that the second cable is bundled together by the sleeve.

98. The system of claim 96, further comprising a second slot insert assembly receivable in the second slot.

99. The system of claim 98, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover configured to be attached or rotatably attached to the base, and wherein an entirety of the second slot extends in the base such that an entirety of the second slot insert assembly is receivable in the first slot.

100. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover configured to be attached or rotatably attached to the base, and wherein an edge of the base or an edge of the cover overlaps the other of the edge of the base and the edge of the cover.

101. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a base and a cover rotatably attached to the base, and wherein the cover is detachable from the base over a range of rotational angles relative to the base.

102. The system of claim 34, wherein the housing comprises a first slot, and wherein the clasp comprises a plurality of stacked layers receivable into the first slot, each of the plurality of stacked layers defining a plurality of insertion apertures configured to receive a plurality of cables, including the first cable, respectively.

103. The system of claim 102, wherein at least some of the plurality of stacked layers are separated by rigid plate portions.

104. The system of claim 102, wherein the clip further comprises a fastener extending through the plurality of stacked layers and configured for attachment to the housing, the fastener clamping the plurality of stacked layers together, thereby clamping the first cable in one of the plurality of insertion holes when the fastener is attached to the housing and the first cable is received in the one of the plurality of insertion holes.

105. A fiber optic termination system comprising:

a housing including a housing base and a housing wall extending from the housing base, the combination of the housing base and the housing wall defining an interior surface of the housing; and

a plurality of stacked panels coupled to the interior surface of the housing, each panel including an array of adapters, each adapter having ends movable in opposing first and second directions toward and away from the interior surface of the housing and in opposing third and fourth directions toward and away from one or more adjacent adapters.

106. The system of claim 105, further comprising a plurality of first cables, each first cable including a first optical fiber, each cable of the plurality of first cables having an end receivable in or extending from the first port of a respective one of the plurality of adapters.

107. The system of claim 106, further comprising a plurality of second cables, each second cable including a second optical fiber and having an end receivable in a second port of the plurality of adapters, such that the second cable is movable with the respective ends of the plurality of adapters receiving the second cable when received in the second port, wherein when an end of one of the plurality of second cables is received in the second port of a respective one of the plurality of adapters and an end of one of the plurality of first cables is received in or extends from a respective one of the plurality of adapters, an end of the one of the plurality of second cables is aligned with an end of the one of the plurality of first cables.

108. A package, comprising:

a base having opposing base sidewalls and opposing base end walls extending between the base sidewalls, each of the opposing base sidewalls having a base edge surface with a portion defining a convex first arc;

a cover configured for covering the base and having opposed cover side walls and opposed cover end walls extending therebetween, each of the opposed cover walls having a cover edge surface with a portion defining a concave second arc;

a first clamping mechanism on a first side of the package, the first clamping mechanism attached or attachable to both: (i) attached or attachable to the base at a location not along the portion of the base edge surface that defines the first arc of the projection, and (ii) attached or attachable to the cover at a location not along the portion of the cover edge surface that defines the second arc of the recess; and

a second clamping mechanism on a second side of the package opposite the first side of the package, the second clamping mechanism attached or attachable to both: (i) attached or attachable to the base at a location not along the portion of the base edge surface that defines the first arc of the projection, and (ii) attached or attachable to the cover at a location not along the portion of the cover edge surface that defines the second arc of the recess,

Wherein when the cover covers the base, a first portion of the respective cover edge surface is spaced further from a corresponding first portion of the base edge surface than a second portion of the respective cover edge surface along the second arc is spaced from a corresponding second portion of the respective base edge surface along the second arc, and

wherein the cover edge surface is configured to extend along the base edge surface when the cover covers the base and the first and second clamping mechanisms are attached to both the base and the cover, respectively.

109. The package of claim 108, wherein the first clamping mechanism is attached to one of the base end walls or to a lid end wall corresponding to the one base end wall, and the second clamping mechanism is attached to the other base end wall or the other lid end wall.

110. The package of claim 108, wherein the first clamping mechanism is a hinge, a latch, a hook and a flange, a fastener, and a snap, the flange configured to receive the hook, wherein the hook is attached to the base or the lid, and the flange is attached to the other of the base or the lid, wherein a first snap portion of the snap is part of the base, a second snap portion of the snap is part of the lid, and the first and second snap portions snap together.

111. The package of claim 110, wherein the second clamping mechanism is a hinge, a latch, a hook and a flange, a fastener, and a snap, the flange configured to receive the hook, wherein the hook is attached to the base or the lid, the flange is attached to the other of the base or the lid, wherein a first snap portion of the snap is part of the base, a second snap portion of the snap is part of the lid, and the first and second snap portions snap together.

112. The package of claim 108, wherein the first portion of the respective cover edge surface is an end of the second arc defined by the cover edge surface, the first portion of the respective base edge surface is an end of the first arc defined by the base edge surface, the second portion of the respective cover edge surface is centered along the second arc, and the second portion of the respective base edge surface is centered along the first arc.

113. The package of claim 108, wherein the first arc is shorter than the corresponding second arc.

114. The package of claim 108, wherein the first arc and the second arc have the same length and are separated by a seal when the cover covers the base and the first clamping mechanism and the second clamping mechanism are attached to both the base and the cover.

115. The package of claim 108, wherein the cover edge surface is configured to seal against the base edge surface when the cover covers the base and the first and second clamping mechanisms are attached to both the base and the cover, respectively.

116. An optical fiber system comprising:

a cable comprising an optical fiber; and

a conduit configured to surround an end of the cable, wherein the conduit includes a barb configured to extend into an outer surface of the cable such that the conduit does not slide along the cable when the barb extends into the outer surface of the cable.

117. The system of claim 116, wherein the conduit comprises a plurality of partial conduits attached to one another by one or more hinges.

118. A fiber optic termination system comprising:

a housing defining at least a first portion of a first channel and an inner surface surrounding the first portion of the first channel, the inner surface defining an interior of the housing;

a first cable receivable through the first portion of the first channel, the first cable including an optical fiber and defining a cable longitudinal axis; and

a clasp receivable in the housing and attachable to and extendable from the first cable in a direction transverse to the cable longitudinal axis such that when the clasp is received in the housing and the cable is received through the first portion of the first channel, movement of the clasp in a direction away from the interior of the housing is restricted by the inner surface of the housing, thereby restricting movement of the first cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing.

119. The fiber optic termination system of claim 118, wherein the inner surface defines a step, and wherein movement of the catch in a direction away from the interior of the housing is limited by the step when the catch is received in the housing and the cable is received through the first portion of the first channel.

120. A method of receiving and retaining a fiber optic cable for connection with a fiber optic component in a housing, comprising:

receiving the fiber optic cable through a first channel of the housing, the housing defining an inner surface defining an interior of the housing; and

attaching a clasp to a portion of the fiber optic cable such that movement of the clasp in a direction away from the interior of the housing may be limited by the inner surface of the housing.

121. The method as recited in claim 120, further comprising: a step portion contacting the inner surface of the housing when a force is applied to the fiber optic cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing along a central axis defined by the first channel.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein the fiber optic cable includes a first optical fiber, and further comprising: attaching the first optical fiber to an adapter configured to align the first optical fiber with a second optical fiber configured to perform one or both of: routing an optical signal to the first optical fiber, and receiving an optical signal routed from the first optical fiber.

123. The method of claim 120, further comprising restricting movement of the first cable in a direction away from the interior of the housing.

124. The method of claim 120, wherein the clip is attached to the fiber optic cable prior to receiving the fiber optic cable through the first channel of the housing.

125. A housing for a fiber optic termination system including a plurality of cables and a plurality of cable catches assembled to and extending from the cables, the plurality of cable catches and at least a portion of the plurality of cables being insertable into the housing, the housing comprising:

opposed ports, each port configured to receive a cable therethrough;

an inner surface surrounding the opposing port; and

opposing sets of dividers extending from the inner surface, each set of dividers in the opposing sets of dividers configured to at least partially surround a cable snap such that the cable snap remains in place relative to the housing when fully inserted into the housing,

wherein the inner surface or the opposing set of dividers is configured to contact the cable catch to prevent a cable assembled to the cable catch from being removed.

126. The housing of claim 125 further comprising an adapter configured for connection to a respective cable received through the opposing port when the cable is inserted into the housing.